One Surprising Need Each NFL Team Could Address in 2025 NFL Draft

There's not an NFL draft that goes by without at least a few surprises along the way. It's why mock drafts are often burned after just a few picks and the offseason event has become a television spectacle over the years.

While a team's most pressing needs often dictates its early selections, there are always some surprising needs that get addressed earlier than you'd expect.

Recently, we took a look at every team's updated needs and 2026 free agents to get a feel for where every team could be looking to get better during the 2025 NFL draft.

Here, we'll highlight an under-the-radar need that wasn't listed among the team's top five needs going into the draft. We'll also throw out a few suggested fits who could be surprise draft targets to address that need based on team fit, profile, scout's grade and their placement on our latest big board.

Arizona Cardinals

(AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Surprising Need: Safety

Potential Targets

1. Malaki Starks, Georgia (8.9)
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (8.1)
3. Malachi Moore, Alabama (7.3)

The Cardinals definitely have to get better along the offensive line in this draft. That's where their primary needs lie, and this is a good draft class to need help up front.

However, safety looms as an underlying need that could be addressed.

Specifically, they might have to look into replacing Jalen Thompson. The 26-year-old safety is slated to become a free agent in 2026. He could see the money that Camryn Bynum, Trevon Moehrig and Jevon Holland all got in free agency and price himself out of Arizona's budget.

Malaki Starks and Nick Emmanwori are both first-round prospects who would pair with Budda Baker to give the Cardinals a continued dynamic duo at the position. Malachi Moore projects as a Day 2 selection with a little less versatility, but his ability to play deep would keep Baker closer to the line of scrimmage.

Atlanta Falcons

(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)

Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Armand Membou, Missouri (8.2)
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (7.8)
3. Aireontae Ersery, Minnesota (7.4)

Most of the Falcons' primary needs are on the defensive side of the ball. They need an edge-rusher, and a cornerback to pair with A.J. Terrell would be nice.

However, it's never a bad idea to get out ahead of needs on the offensive line.

Jake Matthews is a 33-year-old heading into his 12th NFL season with just two years of major guaranteed money on his contract. On the right side, Kaleb McGary is on the final year of his contract.

If feels unlikely Armand Membou will be available by the time the Falcons are on the clock at 15, but he would be tempting for his potential to replace McGary. Kelvin Banks Jr. might be a more realistic target who could offer inside-out versatility early in his career.

Later on, Aireontae Ersery could be seen as a project to eventually become a right tackle if he can play with lower pad level and improve his athleticism.

Baltimore Ravens

(AP Photo/Matt Freed)

Surprising Need: Interior Defensive Line

Potential Targets

1. Derrick Harmon, Oregon (8.0)
2. Kenneth Grant, Michigan (7.7)
3. Alfred Collins, Texas (7.4)

The Ravens' pursuit of a long-term answer at edge-rusher has been in the public eye for a while now. It's no secret that another safety to pair with Kyle Hamilton and another shot at a young cornerback should be in play as well.

What gets lost in the shuffle is that the Ravens lost Michael Pierce to retirement and Brent Urban to free agency. Neither were superstars, but they teamed up with younger players Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones to give the team a formidable rotation up front.

Losing those two has left the interior defensive line rotation a little thinner than they are used to. Landing Derrick Harmon in the first round would give them yet another disruptive option.

Kenneth Grant would be a more one-to-one replacement for Pierce. He could slot in as the rotational nose tackle to spell Jones early on.

Alfred Collins is a more realistic Day 2 target with the length to potentially play multiple spots.

Buffalo Bills

(AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Surprising Need: Running Back

Potential Targets

1. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.4)
2. Jaydon Blue, Texas (7.3)
3. Brashard Smith, SMU (6.6)

Whether the Bills actually need to draft a running back probably comes down to just how willing they are to play hardball with James Cook. The two sides seem to have a potentially public showdown brewing right now.

Cook hasn't been shy about calling for a big-money contract on social media. Bills general manager Brandon Beane didn't sound hopeful that would happen in talking to the media and noting that he doesn't see the team "doing any deals anytime soon."

The Bills have plenty of defensive needs to tend to through the draft, but they could also buy themselves some flexibility with Cook's contract situation by drafting another running back.

Ideally, they'd be able to find a potential partner with Ray Davis to form a committee if they don't extend Cook. All three of these potential targets could provide the receiving and speed that would pair well with Davis' powerful running style.

Carolina Panthers

(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)

Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College (7.4)
2. Marcus Mbow, Purdue (7.3)
3. Cameron Williams, Texas (7.3)

The Panthers have two clear starters at both tackle spots and major needs at premium positions. On first glance, they don't seem like a team that could be eyeing a tackle late in Day 2.

That's a short-term view of the roster, though. Ikem Ekwonu and Taylor Moton are both only under contract through the 2025 season.

Ekwonu just put together his best season yet so he's probably coming back, but Moton is 30 years old and the Panthers seem content to let him play out the final year of his deal at this point.

The Panthers have the 74th pick right now, and the three tackles listed all happen to be ranked in that neighborhood on our big board. They also have all played on the right side with enough promise in their game to be worth the investment to see if they could replace Moton in a year.

Chicago Bears

(AP Photo/David Dermer)

Surprising Need: Linebacker

Potential Targets

1. Chris Paul Jr., Ole Miss (7.4)
2. Carson Schwesinger, UCLA (7.3)
3. Smael Mondon, Jr., Georgia (6.5)

The Bears' offseason has mostly been focused on drastically improving the offensive line in front of Caleb Williams. It's a logical plan after bringing in Ben Johnson to optimize the young quarterback.

Chicago also spent resources beefing up its defensive line with the additions of Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo.

However, the future of the linebacker position is an aspect of the roster that has mostly gone overlooked. T.J. Edwards is in the final year of his deal, and there's a reasonable out in Tremaine Edmunds' contract that should be considered after the 2025 season.

They might find a new prospect to develop in this year's draft. Chris Paul Jr. and Carson Schwesinger profile as intriguing options in the third round. Paul needs some time to improve his play strength while Schwesinger's general lack of experience points to a promising projection with time.

Smael Mondon Jr. might be off some boards due to an extensive injury history at Georgia, but he would be worth a shot on Day 3.

Cincinnati Bengals

(AP Photo/Jeff Dean)

Surprising Need: Wide Receiver

Potential Targets

1. Kyle Williams, Washington State (7.3)
2. Tai Felton, Maryland (6.9)
3. Pat Bryant, Illinois (6.7)

The Bengals used up a ton of resources to secure one of the best wide receiver duos in the game. Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are now going to be expected to carry an even heavier burden in the passing game.

That doesn't mean the Bengals can just move on from improving the position, though. Cincinnati's depth at the position could quickly become an issue if Higgins has another season where he deals with nagging injuries or if Chase misses games.

The Bengals drafted Jermaine Burton to be a dynamic third option, but he's been a source of frustration early in his career. Director of personnel Duke Tobin said Burton has "done nothing" and needs to "start doing something quickly" in an interview with the Cincinnati Enquirer's Kelsey Conway.

Andrei Iosivas showed some potential, but the Bengals can't spend money to bring in competition. It might have to happen through the draft.

Kyle Williams was recently tabbed by B/R's Brent Sobleski as a top candidate to be a steal in the draft. He's the kind of player they could look at in the third or fourth round.

Cleveland Browns

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Surprising Need: Cornerback

Potential Targets

1. Will Johnson, Michigan (8.8)
2. Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky (7.8)
3. Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State (7.6)

The Browns have an exciting young trio of cornerbacks on paper. Denzel Ward, Martin Emerson and Greg Newsome II might be coming off a bad year, but all three have shown the ability to be above-average players in coverage.

It's going to be hard for the Browns to retain that trio beyond the 2025 season, though.

Ward is under contract through the 2027 season while Emerson and Newsome are both set to become free agents in 2026. Keeping both under contract while Ward is playing on a contract that pays him $20.1 million in annual average value could get tricky.

Will Johnson would make a lot of sense in a first-round trade-down scenario. General manager Andrew Berry has said he views Travis Hunter as a wide receiver so trading down and taking the Michigan man would give them the best available corner.

Maxwell Hairston and Azareye'h Thomas stand out as potential options as bigger corners who could be available with the Browns' second-round pick.

Dallas Cowboys

(AP Photo/Matt Patterson)

Surprising Need: Linebacker

Potential Targets

1. Jalon Walker, Georgia (8.0)
2. Jihaad Campbell, Alabama (8.0)

The Cowboys utilized free agency and a trade to add two notable players to their linebacker corps. Both Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn could be starters on a defense that could look different with Matt Eberflus running the unit.

However, there's still not a star-level player in the second level of the defense since the Cowboys moved Micah Parsons up to the edge full-time.

Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell are the only potential targets listed here simply because the Cowboys don't need more depth at the position. They could use a potential anchor at the position to bring the unit together.

Sanborn is a great downhill run-stuffer and has ties to Eberflus, while Marist Liufau was a pleasant surprise last season. But Walker and Campbell would both bring a versatility and dynamic element that could change the defense.

Both Walker and Campbell were asked to play as edge-rushers and off-ball linebackers at Georgia and Alabama. While neither is as dynamic as Parsons was coming out of Penn State, going for a linebacker with some pass-rushing chops has worked out well before.

Denver Broncos

(AP Photo/John Locher)

Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Charles Grant, William & Mary (7.0)
2. Chase Lundt, Connecticut (6.8)
3. Anthony Belton, North Carolina State (6.5)

The Broncos have done well to make sure Bo Nix is protected by two veteran tackles. They got an extension with Garett Bolles done so that he and Mike McGlinchey are under contract for the next few seasons.

But it's rarely a good idea to assume two tackles in their 30s are going to simply hold up every season. The Broncos are going to want to grab a swing tackle who could be developed into a starter sooner than later.

McGlinchey is 30 years old and missed four games with an MCL sprain and a rib injury. Bolles has been a durable starter, but he's going to be 33 this season and his contract has a reasonable out after 2026.

The Broncos shouldn't be using a first- or even second-day pick on a tackle, but there are some interesting projects worth taking on Day 3. These potential targets each could become contributors with time to learn from Bolles and McGlinchey.

Detroit Lions

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Surprising Need: Safety

Potential Targets

1. Lathan Ransom, Ohio State (7.1)
2. Andrew Mukuba, Texas (7.0)
3. Sebastian Castro, Iowa (7.1)

Ifeatu Melifonwu probably didn't get enough credit for what he allowed the Lions to do in the secondary. His versatility gave free rein for Aaron Glenn to deploy Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph in whatever roles he wanted to.

By the end of the season Melifonwu was playing over half the snaps on defense. Now, he's a Miami Dolphin and the Lions may want to turn to the draft to find a third safety.

Lathan Ransom, Andrew Mukuba and Sebastian Castro are a part of a safety cluster on our big board that could be available at the end of the third round where the Lions have a compensatory pick (No. 102 overall).

Each player brings something a little different to the table. However, all three are physical players who could fit into the culture Dan Campbell has built in Detroit with Branch and Joseph being versatile enough to make the fit work.

Green Bay Packers

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Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (7.7)
2. Myles Hinton, Michigan (6.9)
3. Jalen Travis, Iowa State (6.4)

The Packers have a young starting tackle duo in Rasheed Walker and Zach Tom. Right now, it's a major benefit as they have two solid starting tackles on rookie contracts, but it will be time to pay the piper soon enough.

Both Walker and Tom are set for new deals starting in 2026. The Packers could have a tough decision on their hands. Spotrac estimates a $17.8 million annual average salary for Walker and $21.7 million for Tom.

It would be a very Packers move to shock everyone and take another offensive linemen in the first round. Josh Conerly Jr. could be the guy if they go that route. He's a natural left tackle with the tools to be an immediate starter.

They could also utilize a more conservative approach and target someone like Myles Hinton or Jalen Travis. Both are more likely to be swing tackles, but they could be surprising developmental candidates.

Houston Texans

(AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Josh Simmons, Ohio State (7.9)
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (7.8)
3. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (7.7)

There's going to be a thought among some analysts that the Texans are done addressing the tackle position. They traded away Laremy Tunsil, but they signed Cam Robinson and still have the ability to move Tytus Howard back out to tackle in a pinch.

But ignoring the tackle position because they signed Robinson would mean they didn't learn their lesson in 2024. C.J. Stroud and the offense didn't progress because of injuries and a lackluster offensive line.

Robinson is only under contract for one season. The fact that he couldn't lock down a multi-year contract when many teams in the league could use an upgrade at left tackle should speak to his ability.

A tackle who could take over as the starter in 2026 shouldn't be ruled out with the Texans' first pick at No. 25. Josh Simmons would be a perfect candidate because he would have additional time to heal from the knee injury that ended his season at Ohio State.

Indianapolis Colts

(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Surprising Need: Running Back

Potential Targets

1. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State (7.4)
2. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (7.2)
3. Phil Mafah, Clemson (7.2)

The Colts have Jonathan Taylor and even signed Khalil Herbert in free agency. There's a case to be made they are set at the running back position.

But it should be noted Taylor hasn't played a full season since 2021 and he's coming off his first season with over 300 carries since then. Signing Herbert is fine as a change-of-pace back who can lighten the load, but it wouldn't be surprising if the Colts decide to take advantage of a loaded draft class.

They could go a few different directions with the kind of running back they might target in the third or fourth round. TreVeyon Henderson is one of the fastest backs in the class, Cam Skattebo would be appealing as a pass-catching option and Phil Mafah could be the kind of bruiser who takes some of the more physical runs off Taylor's plate.

Shane Steichen's teams are going to run the football. If Anthony Richardson doesn't beat out Daniel Jones, then even more runs will fall to the running back room.

That's all the more reason to target another back.

Jacksonville Jaguars

(AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

Surprising Need: Linebacker

Potential Targets

1. Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina (7.2)
2. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma (7.1)
3. Barrett Carter, Clemson (6.9)

Most of the Jaguars' needs at this point reside on defense. They could be prime candidates to add an interior defensive lineman or a cornerback with the fifth pick. The second level of the defense is an area that has gone overlooked, though.

Foyesade Oluokun and Devin Lloyd have both been productive linebackers so it isn't a dire need right now. However, the former will turn 30 during the season and the latter is a 2026 free agent.

This year's class has two linebackers who could go in the first round in Jalon Walker and Jihaad Campbell. They probably aren't in the mix for Jacksonville based on other needs and its draft picks.

However, a dice roll on any of these three 'backers later in the draft could make sense. Demetrius Knight Jr. was recognized as the best run-stopper in the class on our big board while Stutsman and Carter were considered top players at the position early in the scouting process.

Kansas City Chiefs

(AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

Surprising Need: Tight End

Potential Targets

1. Tyler Warren, Penn State (8.1)
2. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (7.8)
3. Mason Taylor, LSU (7.7)

The Chiefs have a lot of pressing needs as they continue to have to turn over the roster while dealing with a tight cap situation. Replacing linemen on both sides of the ball and adding to their pass rush are surely among their chief concerns.

However, there's one looming departure that should have the Chiefs potentially making a surprise pick.

Travis Kelce has been a catalyst for the passing game throughout Patrick Mahomes' career. He openly considered retirement after this season and isn't getting any younger.

The Chiefs selected Jared Wiley in last year's draft and the TCU product could be the heir apparent. Or, they could get aggressive and trade up for the likes of Tyler Warren, the most versatile tight end in this year's class.

Elijah Arroyo and Mason Taylor could be options in the second round. Either way, adding a tight end to the roster to pair with Wiley in the future could help ease the transition that Kelce's eventual retirement will bring.

Las Vegas Raiders

(AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

Surprising Need: Quarterback

Potential Targets

1. Jalen Milroe, Alabama (7.3)
2. Jaxson Dart, Ole Miss (7.5)
3. Tyler Shough, Louisville (7.3)

The Raiders traded for Geno Smith this offseason before giving him a two-year extension worth up to $85.5 million. Yet, general manager John Spytek was quick to make it known they could still draft a quarterback.

"From a team-building standpoint, I don't think it changes our approach at all," Spytek said, per Tashan Reed of The Athletic. "We're deep into the evaluation of the quarterbacks in this class, and we're going to stay in that. … We could take one anywhere."

If anything, Smith gives them a solid starting option for the next year or two and the liberty to take a swing on a developmental quarterback.

As early as the second round they could look to go with the uber-athletic Jalen Milroe. Jaxson Dart could use a year to learn a pro-style offense after playing in Lane Kiffin's RPO-heavy Ole Miss system.

Tyler Shough is an older prospect who will be 26 in his rookie season, but Smith is evidence that a quarterback can still put together a productive career despite a later start.

Los Angeles Chargers

(AP Photo/Kyusung Gong)

Surprising Need: Running Back

Potential Targets

1. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (8.3)
2. Damien Martinez, Miami (7.4)
3. Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State (7.4)

Najee Harris was the top running back available in this year's free-agent class. The Chargers got him for a steal, and the need for a running back immediately became much less pressing.

But we know how much Jim Harbaugh would be able to like to run the football. There are going to be more than enough carries for the Chargers to spread the carries.

It's also important to note Harris is only on a one-year contract and has the second-most carries since he entered the league in 2021 with 1,097 in those four seasons.

That's a lot of mileage. The Chargers should consider taking another back considering how little they've actually invested in Harris.

Ashton Jeanty will probably be gone by the time they are on the clock at No. 22, but Omarion Hampton has a similar grade from our scouts. Damien Martinez and Quinshon Judkins are power backs worthy of a look on Day 2.

Los Angeles Rams

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

Surprising Need: Wide Receiver

Potential Targets

1. Kyle Williams, Washington State (7.3)
2. Xavier Restrepo, Miami (7.0)
3. Savion Williams, TCU (6.9)

Few teams have been able to unearth wide receivers in later rounds like the Los Angeles Rams. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua were both found outside of the first round.

The team replaced Kupp with Davante Adams this offseason, but Sean McVay and Co. still might want to look to add youth to the receiver room. Adams is still producing at an elite level, but he's 32 years old and the Rams could use depth behind him, Nakua and Jordan Whittington.

Kyle Williams and Xavier Restrepo could become great slot specialists in time. The latter's film is excellent, but poor testing results could see his stock plummet.

Savion Williams is a different kind of receiver, but his physical tools as a 6'5", 225-pound receiver who can run could put him on the Rams' radar as their next developmental gem.

Miami Dolphins

(AP Photo/Maria Lysaker)

Surprising Need: Edge-Rusher

Potential Targets

1. Mike Green, Marshall (8.1)
2. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (8.0)
3. Mykel Williams, Georgia (7.9)

The Dolphins could raise some eyebrows if they elect to select a pass-rusher with the 13th overall pick in the draft. They took Chop Robinson in the first round last season and still have Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb on the roster.

Whether they should draft another premium edge prospect really comes down to how they view Phillips and Chubb, though.

Phillips has looked good when he's on the field, but he's played in just 12 games over the last two seasons. Chubb missed the entire 2024 campaign with a major knee injury.

If the Dolphins are concerned that either player isn't going to come back from his injuries as the same player, they could be a sleeper team for an edge-rusher.

Mike Green, Shemar Stewart and Mykel Williams are all athletic quarterback hunters who could pair with Robinson to reset the position in Miami.

Minnesota Vikings

(AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)

Surprising Need: Wide Receiver

Potential Targets

1. Savion Williams, TCU (6.9)
2. Pat Bryant, Illinois (6.7)
3. Kaden Prather, Maryland (6.2)

Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in football. Jordan Addison has been highly productive in two seasons as his sidekick.

Throw in T.J. Hockenson, and the Vikings' crew of pass-catchers is dangerous. They aren't deep, though.

Minnesota is one injury away from being too dependent on its top two options. That thought might be enough to make the Vikings a surprising team in the receiver market.

They don't have a ton of picks, but getting a receiver on a rookie contract could have them eyeing one with their fifth- or sixth-round pick.

Because Addison isn't very big, they might prefer some of the bigger bodies available in the later rounds. Williams, Bryant and Prather all stand out as receivers who are 6'2" or taller and over 200 pounds.

New England Patriots

(AP Photo/ Jeffrey T. Barnes)

Surprising Need: Tight End

Potential Targets

1. Elijah Arroyo, Miami (7.8)
2. Mason Taylor, LSU (7.7)
3. Gunnar Helm, Texas (6.8)

Hunter Henry was Drake Maye's favorite target in his rookie season. Austin Hooper is a perfect second tight end as an experienced veteran who can block and provide a reliable target underneath.

The problem is that Hooper is headed toward free agency and Henry is already 30 years old. This is the opportune time for the Patriots to draft a young tight end who can eventually replace Henry.

Fortunately for the Patriots there are a few TEs in this class who should be available in different parts of Day 2 that have the frame to be a traditional in-line tight end. Elijah Arroyo and Mason Taylor would be ideal second-round targets.

B/R scout Dame Parson saw shades of Zach Ertz in Arroyo's game while comparing Mason Taylor to Green Bay Packer Tucker Kraft.

Gunnar Helm would be a step down, but he's one of the few in-line tight end prospects in his tier.

New Orleans Saints

(AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Surprising Need: Interior Defensive Line

Potential Targets

1. Mason Graham, Michigan (9.1)
2. Walter Nolen, Ole Miss (8.1)
3. Kenneth Grant, Michigan (7.7)

The Saints could go any number of directions with the ninth overall pick. Looking across the mock draft landscape you'll see edge-rushers, wide receivers, cornerbacks and even Shedeur Sanders slotted to them.

If there's a position that could come as a surprise, it's on the interior of the defensive line. New Orleans just took Bryan Bresee in the first round of the 2023 draft, but he's just now hitting his stride and the rest of the position group is floating around replacement level.

Adding another dynamic talent to the interior would give the Saints a defensive strength they can build around moving forward.

Mason Graham is an obvious choice if he falls down the board that far, but Walter Nolen was voted as the most versatile defensive lineman in the class.

Kenneth Grant is more of a pure nose tackle, but he has the potential to become a threat as pocket-pusher.

New York Giants

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Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Armand Membou, Missouri (8.2)
2. Kelvin Banks Jr., Texas (7.8)
3. Josh Conerly Jr., Oregon (7.7)

The Giants have so many obvious needs that it's difficult to pick out one who would be considered a "surprise."

However, drafting a tackle early could qualify considering they have a good left tackle in Andrew Thomas and a fine answer at right tackle in Jermaine Eluemunor. Evan Neal is also on the roster if he can make a leap in his development.

Still, drafting a right tackle shouldn't be dismissed. Neal hasn't shown much growth early in his career and Eluemunor has experience playing at guard if the Giants were to find a better answer on the outside.

Taking Armand Membou at No. 3 might be a little too rich, but if the Giants end up trading out of the slot then he should be a consideration.

Kelvin Banks Jr. sliding into the second round would be a dream scenario. He would be able to play guard if the Giants don't think he's ready to play tackle yet before replacing Eluemunor on the outside when he becomes a free agent in 2026.

New York Jets

(AP Photo/Steve Luciano)

Surprising Need: Edge-Rusher

Potential Targets

1. Shemar Stewart, Texas A&M (8.0)
2. JT Tuimoloau, Ohio State (7.6)
3. Princely Umanmielen, Ole Miss (7.5)

The Jets have used a first-round pick on an edge-rusher in two of the last three drafts. Unfortunately, they still might need to consider taking another player early at the position.

For starters, Jermaine Johnson tore his Achilles in September. That's a severe injury that's going to take time to completely heal. Even if he is cleared to play by the beginning of the season, it's hard to know to what extent he'll be his former self.

Will McDonald IV took a huge step forward in 2024 with 10.5 sacks, but Haason Reddick didn't pan out and the Jets didn't take another swing on the position in free agency.

That makes the Jets a real contender to be a team that could take a massive swing on Shemar Stewart's off-the-charts athleticism in the top 10. It also makes them an intriguing candidate to take one of the edge-rushers who profiles as an early second-round pick.

Philadelphia Eagles

(AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

Surprising Need: Running Back

Potential Targets

1. Kyle Monangai, Rutgers (6.7)
2. Ollie Gordon II, Oklahoma State (6.6)
3. Kalel Mullings, Michigan (6.4)

Saquon Barkley just redefined how valuable a running back can be to a Super Bowl winner in the modern NFL. They also signed AJ Dillon to a one-year contract in free agency.

You'd be forgiven for being dubious that running back is on the Eagles' radar at all as the draft approaches.

But Barkley's success only highlights how important it is going to be to keep him healthy as he goes into his age-28 season. That could mean finding a runner who can absorb some of the more physical in-between-the-tackle runs.

Obviously Dillon fits that profile for 2025, but the Eagles have four picks in the fifth round. They should be looking to potentially add one more power back to their committee.

Fortunately, this is a loaded class at running back. One of these three backs should be available on the third day and all have the potential to become a short-yardage running specialist.

Pittsburgh Steelers

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

Surprising Need: Safety

Potential Targets

1. Malaki Starks, Georgia (8.9)
2. Nick Emmanwori, South Carolina (8.1)
3. Xavier Watts, Notre Dame (7.9)

Minkah Fitzpatrick is a foundational piece for the Steelers defense, but DeShon Elliott's contract expires after the 2025 season.

Safety could be a bigger long-term need than most would think for Pittsburgh. Throw in the need for a better answer in the slot than Beanie Bishop, and the Steelers could be feeling more pressure to draft a safety than most would think.

Malaki Starks is one of the highest-rated players on our big board, but safeties often fall due to positional value. The Steelers should be his floor at No. 21 overall. He would be able to play the slot before transitioning to a more traditional safety role.

Nick Emmanwori and Xavier Watts might not be able to take that path, but both would make sure the Steelers don't need to add another elite talent to that room for a long time while instantly improving the secondary.

San Francisco 49ers

(AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle

Potential Targets

1. Ozzy Trapilo, Boston College (7.4)
2. Marcus Mbow, Purdue (7.3)
3. Charles Grant, William & Mary (7.0)

Losing Jaylon Moore might be one of the most overlooked losses for any team in the free-agency cycle this season.

When the Chiefs inked the 27-year-old tackle, the Niners lost out on the best contingency plan they had for either Colton McKivitz's or Trent Williams' eventual departure. Losing one or both of them should be on their radar.

McKivitz is set to become a free agent next offseason and whether he's going to be worthy of a contract extension is up for debate. Trent Williams continues to be an elite left tackle, but he has to slow down some time. He's going to be 37 before the season starts.

So, while there are some more pressing needs in the immediate picture, it makes a lot of sense for the Niners to target a tackle project on Day 2 of the draft.

Ozzy Trapilo, Marcus Mbow and Charles Grant are all athletic enough to fit the Niners' multiple run game, but they need some time to develop and improve their play strength.

Seattle Seahawks

(AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

Surprising Need: Tight End

Potential Targets

1. Harold Fannin Jr., Bowling Green (7.6)
2. Jake Briningstool, Clemson (7.0)
3. Oronde Gadsden II, Syracuse (6.4)

The Seahawks are in the middle of a roster overhaul and already have Noah Fant as a respectable starting tight end. It's easy to overlook the position for Mike Macdonald's team.

The only problem is Fant is set to become a free agent in 2026 and AJ Barner is more of a blocking tight end. It's a good duo for Klint Kubiak's debut, but there's definitely room for a young pass-catching option.

Harold Fannin Jr. would be the ideal answer. Drafting him would allow the Seahawks flexibility to make Barner the blocking specialist while the rookie is a flexible receiving threat who could also play some fullback.

If the Seahawks don't want to address the need early in the draft, then Jake Briningstool and Oronde Gadsden II would be Day 3 alternatives. Neither is a great blocker, but both have some receiving upside.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

(AP Photo/Peter Joneleit)

Surprising Need: Wide Receiver

Potential Targets

1. Tre Harris, Ole Miss (8.0)
2. Jack Bech, TCU (7.4)
3. Jayden Higgins, Iowa State (7.4)

The Buccaneers pulled off one of the biggest coups of free agency by keeping Chris Godwin in Tampa. The Patriots reportedly made a serious run at the receiver, but he wanted to remain a Buc.

That would seemingly eliminate drafting a receiver from contention. The trio of Godwin, Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan is up there with some of the best in the league.

The draft is all about planning for the future, though. It's fair to wonder how much longer the 31-year-old Evans can continue to crank out strong seasons. He barely kept his 1,000-yard season streak alive last season and missed three games with a hamstring injury.

Between Godwin and McMillan, the Bucs don't need another slot receiver. Another big-bodied player who could become a contested catch weapon for Baker Mayfield is an underrated need, though.

Taking Tre Harris in the first round would be a shocking, yet intriguing pick. Bech and Higgins are more likely Day 2 or 3 dart throws.

Tennessee Titans

(AP Photo/Stew Milne)

Surprising Need: Interior Defensive Line

Potential Targets

1. Derrick Harmon, Oregon (8.0)
2. Tyleik Williams, Ohio State (7.6)
3. T.J. Sanders, South Carolina (7.0)

Signs continue to point toward the Titans taking Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick, so there isn't much chance for a shocking need being addressed there.

The Titans' need at quarterback is clear and should be addressed at the top of the draft.

It's not as clear that they need to add talent to the interior of their defensive line. T'Vondre Sweat was their second-round pick last year and he stepped right into his role as a space-eating nose tackle. Jeffrey Simmons is one of the Titans' best overall players and Sebastian Joseph-Day played like an elite run-stuffer.

All that being said, Joseph-Day is a 2026 free agent and there just isn't much depth beyond those three. There are more pressing needs, but the Titans should be willing to draft a potential impact player on the interior of the defensive line.

Nose tackle prospects such as Kenneth Grant and Alfred Collins wouldn't be great fits, but Harmon, Williams and Sanders could slot into their plans at various points in the draft.

Washington Commanders

(AP Photo/Mike Mulholland)

Surprising Need: Running Back

Potential Targets

1. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina (8.3)
2. Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (7.7)
3. Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (7.5)

Don't overlook the Commanders when considering teams that might take advantage of a deep running back class.

Giving Brian Robinson Jr. a second contract shouldn't be enticing after three years of nearly identical production. Austin Ekeler was a fine change-of-pace option last season, but he'll be 30 years old this season.

All of a sudden, it's clear that a functional running back duo could be too old and expensive to take into 2026.

Omarion Hampton is the 10th overall player on our big board, but he could fall all the way to the Commanders at No. 29 due to his position. It might not be the most conventional use of resources, but Hampton could do serious damage as the lead back in an offense that also features Jayden Daniels as a rushing threat.

After that, Kaleb Johnson and Dylan Sampson might have the best shot at being featured backs in the second or third round.