2024 NFL Draft order: Bears holding top two picks thanks to trade

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE CAROLINA PANTHERS

Panthers’ record: 0-6 (.600 strength of schedule)

Panthers’ Week 7 opponent: Bye

Bears’ biggest needs: IOL, WR, Edge, DT, TE

DJ Moore has played well, but ill-fated trade acquisition Chase Claypool was sent to Miami and Darnell Mooney is scheduled to be a free agent. Justin Fields‘ ability to prove himself as a playoff-caliber quarterback depends on the team improving the overall talent on offense.  

See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Panthers’ needs.

Week 7 opponent: vs. Raiders

See Pick No. 1 for analysis of the Bears’ needs.

Biggest needs: CB, WR, DT, Edge, OG

Week 7 opponent: at Seahawks

It seems safe to say head coach Jonathan Gannon, formerly the Eagles’ DC, will be looking to continue to build the defensive front he envisions for the Cardinals in 2024. The process began earlier this year when the team drafted edge rusher BJ Ojulari and defensive lineman Dante Stills.

Biggest needs: DT, Edge, CB, S, C

Week 7 opponent: vs. Packers

The Broncos need more depth behind Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper to pressure quarterbacks after recently parting with Frank Clark (released) and Randy Gregory (traded).

Biggest needs: RB, WR, Edge, S, OG

Week 7 opponent: vs. Commanders

Unless the Giants turn things around quickly, there will be some serious questions to be answered after the season, one of the largest being whether Saquon Barkley returns. He’s playing on a one-year deal in 2023.

Biggest needs: QB, OT, TE, WR, RB

Week 7 opponent: vs. Bills

The Patriots are averaging just 12 points per game, second-fewest in the league. Upgrades are needed everywhere on offense, starting at quarterback with Mac Jones seemingly regressing in Year 3.

Biggest needs: QB, Edge, DT, CB, RB

Week 7 opponent: vs. 49ers

With Kirk Cousins‘ contract due to expire after this season, the Vikings could be in the quarterback market in 2024. I liked the selection of Jaren Hall in the fifth round this year, but it won’t surprise me if one of the top quarterback prospects in the ’24 class is wearing purple next season. 

Biggest needs: DT, WR, RB, OT, Edge

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Derrick Henry is still one of the top backs in the league when healthy, but he will turn 30 in January and is scheduled to reach free agency in the offseason. Tyjae Spears might need a new running mate in 2024.

Biggest needs: OT, S, IOL, Edge, CB

Week 7 opponent: at Broncos

Jordan Love needs a more cohesive offensive line to help him succeed. David Bakhtiari’s knee issues are well-documented and the rest of the line has struggled at times. An overhaul around Elgton Jenkins and Zach Tom seems like a legitimate possibility.

Biggest needs: RB, C, CB, DT, WR

Week 7 opponent: at Chiefs

Austin Ekeler and the Chargers revised his deal for this year, but now he and backup Joshua Kelley are scheduled to hit the open market in 2024.

Biggest needs: OT, WR, LB, OG, CB

Week 7 opponent: vs. Jaguars

The offensive line figures to be a priority for the Saints in the offseason. Trevor Penning was recently demoted from the starting lineup, and a few veteran O-linemen could depart in free agency after the season.

Biggest needs: OT, C, RB, CB, DT

Week 7 opponent: at Bears

The Raiders need more help on the offensive line, with Andre James, Jermaine Eluemunor and Greg Van Roten headed for free agency and little depth behind them.

Biggest needs: Edge, OT, LB, IOL, TE

Week 7 opponent: at Giants

Former first-round picks Montez Sweat and Chase Young might test the open market in March. The team did not exercise the fifth-year option on Young’s rookie contract after two injury-plagued seasons, but he has earned three sacks in his first five games this year.

Biggest needs: OT, WR, TE, DT, IOL

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Ja’Marr Chase was a one-man show with 15 catches for 192 yards and three scores two weeks ago against the Cardinals. He and rookie Andrei Iosivas might be the only holdovers at the position next season with Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd in a walk year.

Biggest needs: QB, CB, WR, Edge, LB

Week 7 opponent: at Buccaneers

Desmond Ridder continues to be up and down in his first season as the full-time QB1. With the skill-position talent the team has drafted over the past three seasons, GM Terry Fontenot and head coach Arthur Smith shouldn’t hesitate to pick up another passer to battle the 2022 third-round pick in training camp next summer.

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, QB, S, WR

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Let’s assume for now the Jets do not draft a quarterback early in next year’s draft. Revamping the offensive line in front of Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson will be key, as the team did not exercise the fifth-year option on tackle Mekhi Becton and could also lose center Connor McGovern in free agency.

Biggest needs: WR, DT, CB, S, Edge

Week 7 opponent: vs. Browns

Michael Pittman Jr. is scheduled to head into free agency next spring, and Anthony Richardson is going to need receivers he can count on whenever he returns from his shoulder injury. Josh Downs was a solid third-round selection this year, but the Colts should look to improve their outside playmakers to take advantage of the talented quarterback’s strong arm.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE HOUSTON TEXANS

Texans’ record: 3-3 (.571)

Texans’ Week 7 opponent: Bye

See Pick No. 3 for analysis of the Cardinals’ needs and the playoff teams section of this article for analysis of the Texans’ needs.

Biggest needs: OT, CB, Edge, DT, S

Week 7 opponent: vs. Steelers

Left tackle is a problem spot on the Rams’ offensive line, with current starter Alaric Jackson projecting as more of a swing tackle. Protecting Matthew Stafford should be the team’s top priority this offseason.

Biggest needs: LB, OG, S, WR, DT

Week 7 opponent: vs. Cardinals

Seattle brought back Bobby Wagner for a reprise but he and his fellow contributors on the second level, Jordyn Brooks and Devin Bush, are not under contract for 2024. I expect there to be value at the position in the second or third round for the Seahawks, even if Wagner returns on another one-year deal.

Biggest needs: QB, IOL, WR, LB, S

Week 7 opponent: vs. Falcons

Baker Mayfield is getting a chance to show he can consistently perform when called upon. If he plays well, other teams might be knocking on his door come free agency. If he doesn’t, the Bucs might select another passer to compete with 2021 second-round pick Kyle Trask. 

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

Browns’ record: 3-2 (.586)

Browns’ Week 7 opponent: at Colts

Texans’ biggest needs: CB, DT, Edge, TE, OT

Head coach DeMeco Ryans began the rebuild of the Texans’ defense this year, and it will continue in 2024 as Jonathan Greenard, Steven Nelson and Denzel Perryman are among the players who might find different homes in free agency.

See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Browns’ needs.

Biggest needs: CB, IOL, WR, OT, DT

Week 7 opponent: at Rams

Kenny Pickett and George Pickens are beginning to form a beautiful rapport, but more depth is needed outside at receiver to ensure the offense runs smoothly.

Biggest needs: OT, RB, C, CB, DT

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Tyron Smith is an impending free agent who turns 33 in December and hasn’t played more than 13 games in a season since 2015. Unless he and the Cowboys agree to a new contract, picking a new left tackle and keeping former first-round pick Tyler Smith at left guard seems like the right move.

Biggest needs: RB, CB, WR, DT, OG

Week 7 opponent: vs. Lions

J.K. Dobbins‘ unfortunate streak of injuries continues, as he’s out for the season with a torn Achilles. He’s due to become a free agent this offseason, as is Gus Edwards. A Day 2 pick at the position seems like a possibility.

Biggest needs: S, DT, CB, Edge, WR

Week 7 opponent: at Patriots

The front four includes several players heading into free agency, including Jordan Phillips and Leonard Floyd. The Bills aren’t afraid to pick linemen early and often, so I would expect to see multiple acquisitions this offseason.

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, OG, DT

Week 7 opponent: at Saints

The need at receiver hinges on whether Calvin Ridley departs in free agency or stays with the team. If he exits, the Jaguars will have to find a new pass catcher to complement Zay Jones and Christian Kirk.

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, DT, S, WR

Week 7 opponent: at Eagles

Miami’s offensive line has played better this year as the team scores seemingly at will, but the club didn’t pick up Austin Jackson‘s fifth-year option. Also, Kendall Lamm, Isaiah Wynn, Robert Hunt and Connor Williams are set to become free agents after the season.

Biggest needs: RB, Edge, LB, WR, IOL

Week 7 opponent: vs. Dolphins

There could be a Kelce-Swift breakup after the season if center Jason retires after 13 seasons and running back D’Andre gets a big payday as a free agent. If Cam Jurgens steps in for Kelce, the team would be in the market for a potential starting guard.

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, CB, TE, Edge

Week 7 opponent: at Vikings

The 49ers have a strong roster but could use upgrades along the offensive line, with left tackle the notable exception for as long as All-Pro Trent Williams is manning that spot.

Biggest needs: DT, OT, CB, Edge, WR

Week 7 opponent: vs. Chargers

The Chiefs and Chris Jones kicked the can down the road with a one-year agreement earlier this season, but re-signing Jones should be a priority. Derrick Nnadi is also a scheduled to become a free agent, so the team will likely be addressing the DT position in the draft.

Biggest needs: OG, WR, CB, DT, Edge

Week 7 opponent: at Ravens

Starting guards Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are impending free agents, so the interior of the line could be a priority. The Lions’ success is based on a power running game and Jared Goff staying upright, so superior interior line play is very important.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE CHICAGO BEARS

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, LB, CB, IOL

Week 7 opponent: Bye

The Panthers need upgrades everywhere. But it’s tough to overlook the upcoming free agent list at edge rusher: Brian Burns, Yetur Gross-Matos, Marquis Haynes and Justin Houston. Even if Carolina uses the franchise tag on Burns, more difference-makers must be acquired.

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE HOUSTON TEXANS

Biggest needs: S, Edge, DT, WR, OT

Week 7 opponent: at Colts

Safety could be a priority for Cleveland in the offseason with Grant Delpit playing well in a contract year and Rodney McLeod Jr. ticketed for free agency, too.