One Player Each NFL Contender Should Be Targeting to Increase Super Bowl Chances
During the offseason, approximately 32 NFL teams consider themselves contenders on some level or another. But in reality, only a dozen or so teams are real threats to do damage in the playoffs.
Sure, someone is going to win the NFC South. But a week later, it isn't going to matter.
For the most part, contenders don't have many glaring weaknesses. But just last year, the Minnesota Vikings won 13 games despite an awful pass defense. Even contenders have flaws that could be their undoing in the postseason.
Each of the contenders listed here has such a flaw—or at least a potential one. Luckily, for every flaw, there's a player capable of filling it.
Sometimes it's in free agency. Sometimes it's in the NFL draft. And sometimes it's via a trade.
Every NFL contender has at least one player whom they should be looking to acquire—a target who will get them one step closer to Super Bowl LVIII.
Salary-cap data courtesy of Over the Cap.
Advanced statistics courtesy of Pro Football Reference.
Baltimore Ravens: WR Odell Beckham Jr.
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We're working under the assumption that Lamar Jackson will be the Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback in 2023. There has been no indication that another team is willing to give up the bonanza of draft capital and salary it would take to pry him away from the Ravens.
That leads us back to the problem the Ravens have seemingly had from the moment Jackson took over under center: His wide receiver corps is among the weakest in the NFL.
The Ravens recently added Nelson Agholor to that group. But while speaking to reporters at the NFL owners' meetings, head coach John Harbaugh indicated Baltimore isn't done in that regard.
"We're not done; we're not done in there at all—plus, the guys we've got coming back," Harbaugh said.
Provided that he's fully recovered from the ACL tear he suffered in Super Bowl LVI, Beckham would offer Jackson a true No. 1 wideout. He's capable of winning 50/50 battles in the red zone and can be a go-to guy.
As the Ravens attempt to mend fences with Jackson, they need to go get him a wideout.
Buffalo Bills: LB Jack Campbell
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The Buffalo Bills have one of the most balanced and talented rosters in the NFL, and they have already taken steps this offseason to address their needs. They signed guard Connor McGovern to boost the offensive line and signed running back Damien Harris to add some depth to the backfield.
But after standout linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed with the Chicago Bears, the Bills have a considerable hole in the middle of the defense. They already have in-house replacements in Tyrel Dodson and Terrel Bernard, but neither are better than average.
Iowa's Jack Campbell is the B/R Scouting Department's highest-ranked linebacker in the 2023 draft class. While Campbell isn't a wildly athletic prospect, B/R's Matt Holder sees plenty to like in the 6'5", 249-pounder.
"He has impressive speed when coming downhill, which helps him plug gaps against the run and close on pass-catchers in zone coverage," Holder wrote. "He's also arguably the best linebacker at stack-and-shedding in this draft class, and he has good instincts in zone coverage."
Campbell is the B/R Scouting Department's 27th-ranked overall prospect, so he could be a legitimate target for Buffalo at No. 27.
Cincinnati Bengals: CB Marcus Peters
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The Cincinnati Bengals are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball. They already addressed one of their biggest needs with the addition of tackle Orlando Brown Jr., but the defensive backfield remains a potential weak spot.
Dallas Robinson of Pro Football Network identified veteran cornerback Marcus Peters as someone who the Bengals could target to bolster their secondary.
"Cam Taylor-Britt became a starter by the end of his rookie season and will play on the outside, while Mike Hilton will lock down the slot," he wrote. "But Chidobe Awuzie, who was excellent in his first season as a Bengal in 2021, tore his ACL in Week 8 and might not be at full strength by the start of the regular season. ... Peters is just the sort of smart defensive back that defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo could figure out how to best deploy."
The Bengals should be able to afford Peters as well. Cincinnati sits 10th in the league in available cap space.
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Dallas Cowboys: RB Zach Charbonnet
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Plenty of Dallas Cowboys fans are undoubtedly dreaming of seeing Texas running back Bijan Robinson in silver and blue. But unless the Cowboys trade up, Robinson will probably be long gone by pick No. 26.
However, that doesn't mean the Cowboys shouldn't add a complement to Tony Pollard. With all due respect to Ronald Jones, he ain't that guy.
Zach Charbonnet, on the other hand, could be the "thunder" to pair with Pollard's "lightning." B/R's Derrik Klassen talked up Charbonnet's strength and power as core components of his game.
"Fighting through arm tackles, bouncing off defenders and falling forward to gain extra yardage are core tenets of his game," he wrote. "Furthermore, Charbonnet has excellent coordination and balance to maximize that strength. He has a unique skill for being able to contort his body, minimize contact and come to balance when battling through tackling attempts. It's very difficult to bring him down with one guy or on the first attempt."
The Cowboys could help along the defensive line or draft a high-end tight end prospect in Round 1 and then circle back for Charbonnet on Day 2.
Detroit Lions: DT Jalen Carter
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Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter was once considered the top overall prospect in the 2023 draft. However, some teams might steer clear of him after he pleaded no contest as part of a deal to resolve reckless driving and racing charges connected to a crash that killed teammate Devin Willock and recruiting staffer Chandler LeCroy. He also had a poor showing at Georgia's pro day, which could further impact his draft stock.
While addressing the media at the NFL's spring meeting, Lions general manager Brad Holmes wouldn't rule out the team taking a look at Carter at pick No. 6. However, he also said the team still has a lot of evaluations to work through.
"There's still more work to do," Holmes said. "We've already done a lot of work, but like I talked about the process, we just kind of surrender the results to that, and we're still going through the process. Still more work to do. We'll make sure we'll get to the point where we'll make the best decision to add the best football player for us."
If the Lions believe that Carter is the player who spent much of last season dominating college football, then he'd be a great value sixth overall, especially since they need to get better in the trenches.
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Joey Porter Jr.
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The Jacksonville Jaguars haven't been considered a legitimate contender in years, nor have they picked outside the top 20 in the NFL draft since 2018. But this year, they're fresh off a playoff win and are picking at No. 24.
To build on last year's success, though, Jacksonville needs to upgrade its secondary. With cornerback Shaquill Griffin gone, the Jaguars' starters at the position are Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams.
There isn't a consensus among the draft community who the No. 1 cornerback is in this year's class, but the B/R Scouting Department has Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. in that spot.
"Porter is the best cornerback in this draft class," B/R's Cory Giddings wrote. "He may not be as polished as some of the other top cornerbacks in previous classes, but with his length and physicality, he's comparable."
There's no guarantee Porter will still be on the board at No. 24. But if he even gets close, the Jaguars should think long and hard about trading up for him.
Kansas City Chiefs: WR Jalin Hyatt
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Tennessee wide receiver Jalin Hyatt developed a reputation in college of being mostly a deep threat. But Hyatt told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine that he's looking forward to showing he's much more than that in the pros.
"In Coach Heupel's offense, we spread it out and look for matchups. We don't run directly a pro-style offense that a lot of teams run," Hyatt said. "I can't wait to show my routes, I can run routes. Just being in Coach Heupel's offense, you see a lot of vertical things, but I can't wait to prove and showcase what I can do other than going deep, what I can do underneath, what I can do with the ball in my hands, and I just can't wait to showcase that."
The Kansas City Chiefs have needs on both the offensive and defensive lines. But with the final pick in the first round of the draft, they aren't especially likely to a land Day 1 starter at those positions. However, Hyatt could step in and contribute right away.
If the 2022 Biletnikoff Award winner is half the route-runner he says he is, he and Patrick Mahones could wreak some havoc together.
Los Angeles Chargers: DT Calijah Kancey
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The Los Angeles Chargers can go in a number of directions with the 21st overall pick. Depending on how the Austin Ekeler trade saga plays out, adding Texas running back Bijan Robinson could become a priority. The Chargers could also use help along the offensive line and on the edge.
But if the growing hype around Robinson is to be believed, he won't fall that far. In his latest mock draft for USA Today, Nate Davis has Robinson going 10th overall to Philadelphia and the Bolts taking Pitt tackle Calijah Kancey with their first pick.
"When you think undersized Pitt interior D-linemen who live behind the line of scrimmage— OK, OK, let's not saddle Kancey with the Aaron Donald comparison," he wrote. "But let's celebrate the 6'1", 281-pounder who dropped a 4.67-second 40 at the combine after posting 14½ sacks and 27½ TFLs for the Panthers over the past two years combined. Now imagine adding the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year to a Bolts defense overseen by HC Brandon Staley...who used to unleash Donald so effectively for the crosstown Rams."
Adding an explosive force on the defensive front would be a big get for the Bolts.
Miami Dolphins: OG Dalton Risner
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The Miami Dolphins have been one of the NFL's more active teams so far in the offseason. Beyond adding players in free agency, they swung a trade with the Los Angeles Rams for star cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
But the Dolphins still need to improve an offensive line that struggled mightily last season, and they forfeited their 2023 first-round pick for tampering with Tom Brady. To improve markedly up front, they'll have to do it via trade or free agency.
Before free agency began, Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox ranked guard Dalton Risner as the No. 30 free agent available.
Risner started 62 games over the past four years for the Denver Broncos. He would provide the Dolphins with an immediate upgrade on the interior of the offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings: CB Deonte Banks
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The Minnesota Vikings ranked 31st leaguewide against the pass last season, and they lost veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson in free agency. They added cornerback Byron Murphy to replace him, but that alone won't be enough.
That glaring need has made cornerback a popular target for the Vikings in mock drafts this spring. ESPN's Todd McShay settled on Maryland's Deonte Banks as a good fit.
"Banks was really impressive in Indianapolis and is getting a lot of buzz after running 4.35 in the 40, leaping 42 inches in the vert and flying 11-foot-4 in the broad jump," he wrote. "Those are all top-three numbers among corners. And while he had just one pick last season, he did break up 10 passes and limit opponents to 4.6 yards per attempt. Banks is an explosive player."
Banks needs some more refinement as a player. But he has good size, great speed and plus athleticism. If his production comes anywhere close to his potential, he'd be a steal outside the top 20.
New York Giants: WR DeAndre Hopkins
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The New York Giants have already taken steps this offseason to improve the passing-game weapons around quarterback Daniel Jones. They signed wide receiver Parris Campbell and traded for tight end Darren Waller.
They should go that second route again and go all-in on helping Jones take another big step forward in 2023.
It's hardly a secret that Arizona Cardinals wide receiver De'Andre Hopkins is available for the right price this offseason. Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus singled the Giants out as a trade partner that makes sense.
"Hopkins has gained over 2.0 yards per route run for his entire career despite having a rough quarterback situation for much of that time," Monson wrote. "He caught over 50 percent of contested catches last season and at 30 years old, he still likely has multiple seasons at the top before decline sets in."
The Giants went 9-7-1 last season and won a playoff game, so it's not unreasonable to say their Super Bowl window is open. But those windows can close just as quickly.
The G-Men need to do everything in their power to prop open their title window as long as possible. Adding Hopkins wouldn't hurt.
Philadelphia Eagles: RB Bijan Robinson
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It isn't easy to get the draft community to agree. But B/R's Derrik Klassen spoke for just about every draftnik out there when he called Texas running back Bijan Robinson the cream of the crop at his position—and then some.
"Robinson checks just about every box for an elite running back prospect," he write. "He should step in right away and be able to carry the workload for a rushing offense, as well as contribute in the passing game. Robinson has the potential to be a multi-time Pro Bowler and one of the better backs in the NFL."
There isn't anything that Robinson doesn't do at an elite level. He will run through defenders as easily as he races past them. He's a threat catching the ball out of the backfield. He truly is the complete package.
Robinson isn't likely to be available when the Philadelphia Eagles pick at No. 30. And taking a running back with at No. 10 would be quite the departure for general manager Howie Roseman.
But Robinson's talent behind Philadelphia's excellent offensive line would be nothing short of abjectly terrifying.
San Francisco 49ers: OT Isaiah Wynn
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The San Francisco 49ers have made it at least as far as the NFC Championship Game in three of the past four seasons. They also made a big splash this offseason by signing former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave to a four-year, $84 million deal.
It'll be tough for the Niners to fill the rest of their needs, though. in addition to ranking toward the bottom of the league in available cap space, they also don't have a pick in either of the first two rounds of this year's draft.
With that said, general manager John Lynch is the type of shrewd executive who often can find a way to free up a little more wiggle room to sign a reasonably priced free agent. Offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn might fit that bill.
Granted, there's a reason why Wynn remains unsigned as the calendar turns to April. He was a first-round pick back in 2018, but he hasn't lived up to that pedigree.
Durability has been a huge issue, as Wynn has missed at least six games in four of his five NFL seasons. But when healthy, he's a capable player with 40 NFL starts under his belt, and he can play either tackle or guard.
The Niners need an upgrade at right tackle after losing Mike McGlinchey, while Wynn needs a chance to rehab his stock on a good team. A short-term, prove-it deal could make sense for both sides.
Seattle Seahawks: Edge Will Anderson Jr.
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The Carolina Panthers, Houston Texans and Indianapolis Colts are all expected to select quarterbacks with the Nos. 1, 2 and 4 overall picks in this year's draft, respectively. A quarterback-needy team could trade up to No. 3 overall (Arizona) to leapfrog the Colts, too.
That would be the dream scenario for the Seattle Seahawks, who own the Los Angeles Rams' pick at No. 5. That would enable them to take Alabama edge-rusher Will Anderson Jr., the top-ranked player on the B/R Scouting Department's latest big board.
The offseason additions of Dre'Mont Jones and Jarran Reed bolstered Seattle's defensive front. But while Uchenna Nwosu was a find last year, the Seahawks need to add another player capable of generating pressure off the edge.
As Matt Holder wrote here at Bleacher Report, Anderson can be that presence.
"While Anderson led the nation with 17.5 sacks in 2021, he's probably an even better run defender. He's hard to move one-on-one with his strength and leverage at the point of attack, and he has little to no issues getting off blocks with his excellent hand placement."
Playoff teams rarely get to add a rookie as highly touted as Anderson. It'll be a jackpot if he falls into the Seahawks' lap.
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