Before the last weekend of the 2023 NFL season, here’s a look at the first-round order for the 2024 NFL Draft and the top five needs
for each team. With schedule strength serving as the first tiebreaker, the order is decided by record (the complete list of draft-order tiebreakers may be seen here). Remember that the teams listed below are designated as PL (short for playoffs) in the order that they would make the playoffs if the season ended today. The outcomes of postseason play influence the playoff clubs’ selection order.
With Chicago securing the top choice on Sunday, they will have a lot to consider in the upcoming months. The inside of the Bears’ offensive line needs to be strengthened regardless of whether they choose to stay with Justin Fields as their starting quarterback or choose to choose a quarterback elsewhere. While he is under contract until 2025, Nate Davis has shown reliable while healthy. However, as free agents,Cody Whitehair and Lucas Patrick might be the casualty of cap space.
Josh Harris, the new owner of the Commanders, might make major changes in Washington during the offseason. The fact that Washington had planned to play Jacoby Brissett on Sunday instead of Sam Howell, prior to Brissett’s hamstring injury late in the week, suggests that things will start anew at quarterback in 2024.
Due to the severe ankle sprain he sustained in early December, Rhamondre Stevenson’s season is ended. It has been a difficult year for both him and the team’s rushing attack. Zeke Elliott was brought in as a stopgap; he will be eligible for free agency in March. In 2024, the squad will require an electrifying dual-threat back to ignite the offense.
Marco Wilson, an Arizona cornerback who started 11 games this season and was selected in the fourth round of the 2021 draft, was placed on waivers last week. The Cardinals made an investment in the position last year when they selected Garrett Williams (Round 3) and Kei’Trel Clark (Round 6). However, if starting cornerback Antonio Hamilton leaves as a free agency, the team will need to recruit another corner.
