The NFL season has already claimed its first damage victims and that can make an affect on rosters throughout the league.
Among the notable names added to Injured Reserve lists this week embody Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward, Seahawks offensive deal with Abe Lucas, Browns offensive deal with Jack Conklin, Ravens operating again J.Okay. Dobbins, Rams broad receiver Cooper Kupp and naturally Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
With that in thoughts, here’s a have a look at essentially the most urgent positional wants for each NFL team:
AFC
Bengals: Offensive guard
Cincinnati doesn’t have a dire want in any specific spot because the beginning lineup is well-positioned. The franchise has invested vital sources into the offensive line over the previous two offseasons however nonetheless have positions to fill earlier than Joe Burrow can really feel safe. Jonah Williams is a relative unknown on the proper deal with place. Alex Cappa and Ted Karras performed nicely final season however the staff must determine some long-term constructing blocks. Cordell Volson is slated to start out at left guard.
Security is one other place to contemplate as a result of Dax Hill has not had prolonged taking part in time thus far.
Payments: Linebacker
There aren’t any deadly flaws that stand out as Buffalo answered a couple of of its most urgent wants within the draft by taking Utah tight finish Dalton Kincaid and Florida offensive guard O’Cyrus Torrence. Nevertheless, they didn’t aggressively look to switch Tremaine Edmunds after he departed in free company. They’ve some choices on the roster however none have risen to the event but.
Broncos: Line of defense
Dre’Mont Jones left Denver in free company. The Broncos are left with some overperforming gamers on the place and one has to surprise if that’s sustainable shifting ahead. Mike Purcell is among the key contributors at 32 years outdated. Size and depth had been integral in head coach Sean Payton’s time with the Saints and that will likely be challenged early in his time with Denver.
Large receiver needs to be improved with the return of Jerry Jeudy.
If in a position to keep wholesome, the linebackers shouldn’t be an enormous concern for Cleveland. The issue is that Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Tony Fields II, Sione Takitaki and Anthony Walker Jr. have all handled accidents in recent times. They’ve already misplaced Jacob Phillips and Jordan Kunaszyk for not less than a time period with accidents. Phillips was misplaced for the 12 months. The unit ought to profit enormously from having an improved inside line of defense in entrance of them.
Chargers: Defensive deal with
Los Angeles has added gamers on the place in current offseasons however it has not produced the outcomes it had hoped. Morgan Fox, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Austin Johnson have to be the perfect variations of themselves. There are similarities between rookie Scott Matlock and Fox as nicely.
The secondary may additionally be a priority however they should play somebody aside from Miami earlier than that turns into obvious.
Chiefs: Defensive deal with
Kansas Metropolis appeared misplaced at broad receiver of their opening loss, however in the end it is defensive deal with that’s most urgent. They misplaced a few of their inside line of defense depth in free company, and that basically leaves the Chiefs with Chris Jones, who has been holding out for a brand new contract. Jones has been improbable for the defending Super Bowl champions, however the Chiefs must preserve loading up on the defensive entrance to resist a few of these grueling AFC battles. They took Texas’ Keondre Coburn within the later rounds of the NFL Draft and traded for Neil Farrell Jr. however it might not reply their wants for the upcoming season.
The gathering of talent expertise will likely be value discussing if they don’t enhance upon Travis Kelce’s return.
Colts: Secondary
The secondary was a trigger for concern within the Week 1 loss to Jacksonville. Trevor Lawrence accomplished 75% of his passes. The Indianapolis protection accounted for eight missed tackles, based on TruMedia.
Operating again can be a difficulty however that was troublesome to foretell given the scenario with Jonathan Taylor.
Dolphins: Offensive guard
Tight finish is the place most bereft of expertise on the roster however offensive guard can have a much bigger affect on the season. Free agent addition Isaiah Wynn has moved to left guard, which is a relative unknown at this degree. Offensive deal with play was a lot improved final season, and Connor Williams was improbable at heart in his first season after signing in free company. Miami’s offensive guard play was lower than expectations and the season depends upon Tua Tagovailoa’s well being.
Linebacker play was underwhelming in Week 1 however they’ve the expertise to rebound.
Jaguars: Defensive deal with
Week 1 leads me to consider that the offensive line could also be a much bigger difficulty however solely time will inform. For now, defensive deal with has the bottom ceiling on the roster. They want constant play from that group as a result of the remainder of the roster is able to compete in that division.
Jacksonville has made ample funding into the cornerback place in recent times. The Jaguars signed free brokers Darious Williams and Shaq Griffin, along with spending a first-round choice on C.J. Henderson and a second-round choice on Tyson Campbell, who stays a constructing block on the place shifting ahead. The Jaguars want extra from that group, particularly after releasing Griffin. They took three late-round flyers on the place and the group as a complete appeared good in Week 1.
Jets: Offensive deal with
The largest difficulty could also be quarterback following the damage to Aaron Rodgers. Whereas Zach Wilson’s efficiency didn’t precisely encourage confidence, they may most likely give him a recreation or two to lose belief. Left deal with Duane Brown not too long ago turned 38 and Mekhi Becton was flipped to the best aspect. It’s affordable to surprise if both is a viable answer in the course of the season. Basic supervisor Joe Douglas has constructed a roster that has few limitations however offensive deal with is one among them.
Patriots: Offensive deal with
New England was slated to start out Trent Brown — who has performed six of his eight seasons at proper deal with — on the left aspect and 34-year-old Riley Reiff on the best aspect. The place was already considered as a priority, then it was realized that Reiff will miss not less than the primary 4 video games on the injured reserve. Calvin Anderson began at proper deal with after three seasons with the Broncos. It was not an amazing efficiency. The staff might theoretically transfer beginning guard Michael Onwenu to proper deal with, which he performed the higher a part of 4 video games as a rookie in 2021, in a pinch, however he’s additionally coping with damage.
Raiders: Defensive deal with
There are obvious weaknesses on either side of the ball, together with defensive deal with and cornerback. Depth at edge rusher will get thinner if Chandler Jones doesn’t make an look.
Las Vegas addressed basically each place aside from the offensive line throughout the draft. It’s a massive space of concern as Jimmy Garoppolo settles in because the starter. Greg Van Roten seems like a top quality addition however is {that a} viable long-term answer. The Raiders have a wealth of weapons within the move recreation however Garoppolo could not have the time to distribute the soccer.
Ravens: Operating again
The damage to J.Okay. Dobbins has pressured Baltimore’s palms on the operating again place. They’re basically left with Justice Hill, Gus Edwards and Melvin Gordon. Will one among them step up and shoulder the burden of carrying the staff’s run recreation? It’s an all too acquainted place for Baltimore.
The younger edge rushers stepped up towards the Texans.
Linebacker has been and nonetheless is a matter for the at all times constant AFC franchise. Cole Holcomb is a high-volume tackler and Elandon Roberts has been a dependable performer throughout a portion of New England’s run. It isn’t a excessive ceiling group however the Steelers line of defense is among the greatest within the league. They are going to preserve a few of these blockers off the second-level expertise.
Cam Heyward was added to the Injured Reserve so which means he will likely be out for the following 4 weeks. They’re well-positioned to account for his loss as rookie Keeanu Benton was promising in his debut. Montravius Adams and Larry Ogunjobi have expertise at this degree.
The offense as a complete was actually disappointing, significantly the offensive line.
Texans: Defensive deal with
For those who squint, Houston has a viable contributor at almost each place however the line of defense is essentially the most urgent want even after including Will Anderson Jr. at No. 3 total. They lacked true difference-makers who can affect the opposing quarterback and maintain up on the level of assault final season. Demeco Ryans’ beginning unit just isn’t dangerous however it lacks depth and that’s one space the place groups need choices to rotate gamers out and in.
The inside offensive line additionally actually struggled within the opener.
From a person place standpoint, head coach Mike Vrabel has a giant want on the place he performed within the NFL. The typical fan would have a tough time naming any linebacker on their roster. Luckily, the line of defense is a power so that ought to unlock a few of these linebackers.
The offensive line stays a piece in progress as nicely. They did get useful contributions from newcomers Peter Skoronski, Chris Hubbard and Daniel Brunskill, nevertheless.
NFC
49ers: Inside offensive line
San Francisco is giving Colton McKivitz an opportunity at proper deal with following the departure of Mike McGlinchey in free company; that would show to be a giant want for the 49ers. It’s magnified by the insecurity within the inside offensive line, nevertheless. Spencer Burford had some success as a rookie however they are going to be counting on him closely this season. The offensive scheme does relieve a number of the strain.
Bears: Inside offensive line
The place does one start discussing the offense? They’ve struggled mightily. The inside offensive line may very well be stable however it is also actually dangerous. The ground is far decrease than the ceiling is excessive. Depth is a much bigger concern.
Edge rusher had been an enormous want however they made good free agent signings in Yannick Ngakoue and DeMarcus Walker. The beginning defensive tackles aren’t constant success tales however they’ve a couple of promising children behind them.
Buccaneers: Inside offensive line
The protection has massive names and confirmed veterans. Most of them are free brokers after the season. Tampa Bay’s offensive line is a thriller. Its most confirmed asset, Tristan Wirfs, is transitioning from proper deal with to the left, however he appeared nice within the opener. The brand new proper deal with, Luke Goedeke, performed left guard final season, but in addition appeared stable. Proper guard Cody Mauch made his first look. It could work out wonderful however it’s a whole lot of shifting items in entrance of first-year quarterback starter Baker Mayfield.
Spin a wheel and state your case for the defensive place it lands on with the Cardinals. Their protection options a whole lot of names who would stump the common fan. The Cardinals need assistance on the outside and inside of the line of defense. The Cardinals misplaced J.J. Watt to retirement however Zach Allen additionally departed in free company. First-year head coach Jonathan Gannon comes from a scenario the place he had a wealth of choices alongside the defensive entrance. Cornerback is one other space of want and the offensive line was in shambles Week 1.
Washington chosen Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes within the first spherical, in order that opened the door for the staff to discover different positions because the draft progressed. With a younger quarterback anticipated to start out this season, it’s important for the Commanders to discover a dependable outlet at tight finish for Sam Howell. Tight ends accounted for 45 receptions and fewer than 500 yards final season. Logan Thomas is essentially the most dependable of the bunch however even he has handled damage.
Cowboys: Defensive deal with
The Cowboys appeared superior in Week 1. If pressured to choose one place based mostly on Week 1, it must be operating again however it might be too early for that declare.
Dallas’ beginning unit was fortified this offseason so one has to separate hairs simply to discover a affordable selection for the staff’s most urgent want. The Cowboys have gamers to fill important roles however play has not been constant, which is why they drafted Michigan’s Mazi Smith within the first spherical. With some younger expertise on the roster, the hope is that this turns into a place of power for the Cowboys by season’s finish. Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is thought to get essentially the most out of his gamers.
Philadelphia’s roster just isn’t missing for expertise. The Eagles have addressed basically each drawback space on their roster. Reed Blankenship picked up some useful taking part in expertise final season and Justin Evan has been serviceable. The Eagles do not need a obvious weak spot but.
Though the images of the move catchers might have been positioned on a milk carton after Week 1, linebacker remains to be a extra urgent want. Atlanta has added some our bodies to that defensive entrance this offseason however the linebacker group stays an issue. They are going to proceed creating Troy Andersen however will likely be overly reliant on unproven expertise round him.
Giants: Inside offensive line
New York had a tricky day throughout the board towards Dallas. It’s troublesome to pinpoint one place of want based mostly on how they carried out. The broad receiver group was underwhelming however the inside offensive line takes the crown. It actually might have been expanded to incorporate your complete offensive line.
They should create extra move rush alternatives as nicely.
Lions: Cornerback
Detroit was spectacular within the Week 1 victory over Kansas Metropolis. The group rose to the event however the success of the cornerbacks may very well be instantly tied to the struggles of the Chiefs move catchers. They had been credited with three drops, based on TruMedia, and people ended a number of drives.
Inexperienced Bay has some inside offensive linemen who’ve performed and performed nicely, however this is a vital 12 months for that group. They might must steer some property in that route subsequent 12 months. Nevertheless, security is extra of an issue for the upcoming season. Darnell Savage has been disappointing and there may be little else to really feel assured about in that room.
Carolina drafted its quarterback of the longer term when Alabama’s Bryce Younger was introduced because the No. 1 total choice. Large receivers struggled to create separation.
After the draft, cornerback stays a place that may very well be addressed within the brief and long run. They added some our bodies to the sting rusher and defensive deal with roles however there isn’t any one locked in as a daily contributor past returning stars Derrick Brown and edge rusher Brian Burns; besides maybe Shy Tuttle.
Rams: Edge rusher
The inside offensive line was a giant want after the offensive deal with positions fell aside round them final season. The Rams drafted TCU inside offensive lineman Steve Avila and traded for Kevin Dotson. They need to be a lot improved. The eye turns to the defensive aspect of the ball.
Cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been traded. The group performed higher than anticipated within the opener. Holes exist in every single place on the roster however the move rush is the most important concern. Jonah Williams, Earnest Brown, Byron Younger Nick Hampton, Michael Hoecht and Zach VanValkenburg — who amongst that group has confirmed that they’ll warmth up the opposing quarterback at this degree? Los Angeles wants somebody to step up as they rank within the backside half of the league.
Saints: Defensive deal with
New Orleans drafted Clemson’s Bryan Bresee to create a move rush from the inside, however that may be a group that should get stronger up the center. They signed Khalen Saunders and Nathan Shepherd within the offseason however these two have massive footwear to fill. The line of defense has set the tone for the NFC South franchise for years and so they could lack that edge this season.
Seahawks: Offensive guard
Basic supervisor John Schneider has discovered a number of long-term contributors over the previous two years. Offensive guard is the most important want for that staff. The Seahawks might use a starter and most definitely want accountable depth.
They should discover extra constant pass-rush choices to take a number of the strain off the secondary. Seattle is one among 5 groups that didn’t file a sack in Week 1.
Vikings: Defensive deal with
Minnesota has misplaced two video games this season by a mixed 9 factors. They’re permitting 166.0 speeding yards per recreation this season. The Vikings must turn into extra stout on the level of contact. The cornerback group fared higher than anticipated.
