This is a look at the first-round order for the 2025 NFL Draft heading into Week 7 of the 2024 NFL season, along with the top five needs for each team. The order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as the first tiebreaker (click here to see a full list of the draft-order tiebreakers). Keep in mind — teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.
Biggest needs: WR, OT, DT, QB, CB
Week 7 opponent: vs. Bengals
Remaining strength of schedule: .556 (6th)
Left tackle Jedrick Wills will be a free agent after the season and veteran Jack Conklin has struggled to stay healthy over the past few years. Dawand Jones could take over at right tackle in 2025, but finding another starter-quality outside blocker is a must if one of the NFL’s worst offenses is to improve next season.
Biggest needs: WR, C, CB, Edge, QB
Week 7 opponent: at Commanders
Remaining strength of schedule: .563 (5th)
Until former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young is no longer on the roster, I’ll operate here as if Carolina won’t target a QB at the top of the draft. But we’ve seen several teams in recent years replace a first-round passer still on his rookie contract. So it’s very possible the Panthers could make a similar move in April. Assuming they continue to move forward with Young, though, I could see them spending a Day 3 pick on the position.
Biggest needs: OL, Edge, WR, CB, S
Week 7 opponent: vs. Jaguars (London)
Remaining strength of schedule: .435 (30th)
The Patriots’ offensive line has been a mess so far this season, with inconsistency and injuries leading Jerod Mayo to deploy six different starting lineups through the first six games. Caedan Wallace, whom New England selected in the third round in April, got his shot among the starting five against the Jets in Week 3, but had a rough showing (as did the rest of the unit) and has since landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury. The Pats need to upgrade the protection if quarterback Drake Maye is to progress in 2025.
Biggest needs: CB, S, WR, DT, OT
Week 7 opponent: vs. Patriots (London)
Remaining strength of schedule: .508 (12th)
The Jaguars rank last in passing yards allowed per game and have forced only one interception this year. Andre Cisco, the man responsible for the team’s lone pick, will be a free agent after the campaign, while two of the team’s top cornerbacks, Ronald Darby and Montaric Brown, are scheduled to hit the market in 2026. Injuries to Tyson Campbell and Darnell Savage early on this season have amplified the distinct lack of depth in the team’s secondary.
Biggest needs: WR, S, QB, Edge, OL
Week 7 opponent: at Bills
Remaining strength of schedule: .551 (7th)
GM Ran Carthon traded up in the second round of the 2023 draft for Will Levis, and so far the investment hasn’t paid off. Should Levis’ uneven play continue, I wouldn’t be surprised if first-year coach Brian Callahan decides he wants to hit reset at the position and bring in a new signal-caller of his choosing.
Biggest needs: OT, WR, CB, LB, TE
Week 7 opponent: vs. Raiders
Remaining strength of schedule: .464 (23rd)
The Rams have one of the most productive receiving tandems in the league when healthy. But both Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have missed multiple games due to injury already this season, and Kupp, who hasn’t played a full season since 2021, will be 32 years old by next September. Factor in the depth concerns behind the two Pro Bowlers — Demarcus Robinson and Tutu Atwell are scheduled to hit free agency this offseason — and it seems logical that L.A. will need to use another Day 2 pick on the position come April.
Biggest needs: QB, WR, DT, CB, S
Week 7 opponent: at Rams
Remaining strength of schedule: .525 (10th)
Six quarterbacks were already off the board by the time Las Vegas was on the clock at Pick No. 13 in the 2024 draft. Although the Raiders potentially could have traded up to secure one of the top passers, the franchise ultimately decided to take TE Brock Bowers with its first-round pick and roll with Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell under center this season. But from what we’ve seen of these two passers, their ceiling appears to be as solid backups, so I expect the Raiders to hone in on a dynamic playmaker in the upcoming QB class.
Biggest needs: WR, CB, DT, OG, S
Week 7 opponent: at Browns
Remaining strength of schedule: .460 (24th)
The Bengals’ secondary depth will be tested the rest of the way after Dax Hill tore his ACL in Week 5. And with the underrated Mike Hilton set to hit the open market in March, I expect the Bengals to use a Day 2 selection to bolster their defensive backfield.
Biggest needs: OT, S, Edge, CB, DT
Week 7 opponent: at Steelers
Remaining strength of schedule: .444 (27th)
Safeties Chuck Clark and Ashtyn Davis are not signed beyond this season. If the Jets decide to find RFA Tony Adams‘ running mate in April, I could see them targeting a DB in the third round, as they did in 2020 when they selected Davis 68th overall.
Biggest needs: QB, OL, CB, WR, S
Week 7 opponent: vs. Eagles
Remaining strength of schedule: .547 (T-8th)
Daniel Jones‘ contract gives the Giants a potential out after this season and we know they explored trading up to the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, which the Patriots kept and used to select Drake Maye. So, a QB change could be coming if things don’t turn around for Danny Dimes. The franchise gave Jones a four-year, $160 million extension prior to the 2023 season.
Biggest needs: Edge, OL, WR, TE, S
Week 7 opponent: vs. Broncos
Remaining strength of schedule: .453 (25th)
It seems like the Saints are always looking for either an edge rusher or offensive tackle in the first round. This week, I’m focusing on the Saints’ need for the former. Beyond Carl Granderson, New Orleans has a number of question marks within their pass-rushing unit. Chase Young has just 1.5 sacks through six games and is a free agent after the season. Tanoh Kpassagnon has yet to suit up this year because of an offseason Achilles injury and is also an impending free agent. And franchise stalwart Cameron Jordan will be 36 when Week 1 rolls around.
Biggest needs: Edge, DT, WR, OG, CB
Week 7 opponent: vs. Chargers
Remaining strength of schedule: .452 (26th)
No. 4 overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. will be a difference-maker for years to come, and 2023 third-rounder Michael Wilson has shown flashes in his young career. Though the team will have the opportunity to retain WR Greg Dortch (RFA), there’s not a ton of depth behind those three. So don’t be surprised if they use a Day 2 pick on another big-time target for Kyler Murray.
Biggest needs: S, OG, DT, LB, QB
Week 7 opponent: at Colts
Remaining strength of schedule: .422 (32nd)
Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel said on Monday that he’s expecting Tua Tagovailoa to play again this season. If Tagovailoa does indeed come back from his concussion and return to form, the team still should be looking to improve the depth at quarterback behind him.
Biggest needs: LB, OT, Edge, OG, QB
Week 7 opponent: at Falcons
Remaining strength of schedule: .507 (T-13th)
Right tackle has been a trouble spot for the Seahawks due to injuries to Abraham Lucas and George Fant. They both are 2026 free agents, while current starter Stone Forsythe has a deal that expires after this season. Selecting another tackle during the first half of the draft would make a lot of sense.
Biggest needs: RB, WR, OG, Edge, CB
Week 7 opponent: Bye
Remaining strength of schedule: .547 (T-8th)
The Cowboys rank dead last in rushing yards per game and their top running backs, Rico Dowdle and Ezekiel Elliott, are not signed beyond this season. I expect the Cowboys to be looking for another playmaker at the position in 2025.
Biggest needs: OT, LB, TE, DT, RB
Week 7 opponent: at Saints
Remaining strength of schedule: .507 (T-13th)
Left tackle Garett Bolles will be the Broncos’ top impending free agent this offseason and there is no heir apparent on the roster. Denver must thoroughly evaluate offensive line prospects to ensure quarterback Bo Nix is not facing heat like he did against the Chargers on Sunday, especially if Bolles does not return.
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, LB, OG, TE
Week 7 opponent: at Giants
Remaining strength of schedule: .437 (29th)
The Eagles are very thin behind starting receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, with Jahan Dotson posting just six receptions for 35 yards through five games and rookie sixth-rounder Johnny Wilson a work in progress. More speed in the slot and outside would be a boon to the passing game.
Biggest needs: CB, OT, DT, Edge, WR
Week 7 opponent: vs. Texans
Remaining strength of schedule: .597 (3rd)
Former first-round pick Eric Stokes is scheduled to become a free agent in 2025, as is reserve Corey Ballentine. Also, injuries have been an issue for Pro Bowl CB Jaire Alexander this season and in 2023, so the team must address the cornerback position early in next year’s draft.
Biggest needs: CB, DT, LB, OG, OT
Week 7 opponent: vs. Chiefs
Remaining strength of schedule: 581 (4th)
San Francisco’s cornerback room could look significantly different next year with Charvarius Ward, Isaac Yiadom and Deommodore Lenoir ticketed for free agency. Second-round pick Renardo Green, who intercepted a pass against the Seahawks last Thursday night, could play inside or outside to complement any drafted corners.
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, DT, Edge, TE
Week 7 opponent: vs. Dolphins
Remaining strength of schedule: .484 (19th)
Fourth-round pick Tanor Bortolini could fill the shoes of Ryan Kelly if Kelly leaves in free agency this offseason. With Will Fries — who is also an impending free agent — suffering a broken tibia in Week 5, the team could try Bortolini at guard if undrafted rookie Dalton Tucker does not get the job done. Either way, the team must improve the depth on the interior offensive line if Kelly departs.
Biggest needs: Edge, DT, C, TE, WR
Week 7 opponent: at Cardinals
Remaining strength of schedule: .443 (28th)
The Chargers got their pass rush going against Denver on Sunday, but reinforcements will be needed in 2025. Joey Bosa is, once again, fighting the injury bug. Khalil Mack is due to become a free agent after this season. The contracts for Bosa and Bud Dupree are set to expire after next season. Tuli Tuipulotu was a good second-round pick in 2023, but another young talent on the edge would do wonders for the defense.
Biggest needs: OG, C, OT, Edge, WR
Week 7 opponent: Bye
Remaining strength of schedule: .629 (1st)
Caleb Williams has had to be active in and outside of the pocket because of the inadequate play of the offensive line for much of this season. Left guard Teven Jenkins is due to become a free agent after the season and 2023 acquisition Nate Davis has been in and out of the lineup due to injury since his arrival. Even if the Bears re-sign Jenkins, finding another starting guard in the draft should be a priority.
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, LB, OT, CB
Week 7 opponent: vs. Panthers
Remaining strength of schedule: .476 (20th)
Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey are in line to be two of Jayden Daniels‘ top targets in 2025; otherwise, pass-catchers Dyami Brown, Noah Brown, Jamison Crowder (who is on injured reserve after suffering a calf injury) and Olamide Zaccheaus are all set to be free agents. Adding another speedster in the first two days of the draft should help Daniels continue his strong play in Year 2.
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, CB, OG, DT
Week 7 opponent: vs. Titans
Remaining strength of schedule: .426 (31st)
The Bills landed Keon Coleman with the first pick of the second round in this year’s draft. Depth is still needed at receiver, though, as Mack Hollins and Marquez Valdes-Scantling are not under contract beyond this season. Giving star quarterback Josh Allen a strong arsenal must be a priority.
EDITOR’S UPDATE: The Bills are making a move to help themselves at receiver at least for this season, acquiring Amari Cooper from the Browns. Cooper is in the final year of his contract.
Biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, RB, WR
Week 7 opponent: vs. Jets
Remaining strength of schedule: .469 (T-21st)
The Steelers have no quarterbacks under contract for 2025. Russell Wilson has been sidelined by a calf injury until recently, and it’s not clear, based on Justin Fields‘ play (he’s put up a 5:1 TD-to-INT ratio and 93.9 passer rating for the 28th-ranked passing offense in the NFL), if he’ll land a new contract in Pittsburgh. Until one of them proves to be the long-term answer, I’ll assume the Steelers will be looking at quarterback prospects early in next year’s draft.
Biggest needs: C, Edge, CB, WR, S
Week 7 opponent: vs. Seahawks
Remaining strength of schedule: .500 (T-15th)
Center Drew Dalman — who landed on injured reserve with an ankle injury in September — will be a free agent after the season. With Matt Bergeron and Chris Lindstrom holding down the two guard spots, the Falcons will want a sturdy pivot to form a strong interior in front of their quarterback next season.
Biggest needs: OT, WR, Edge, OG, S
Week 7 opponent: at Buccaneers
Remaining strength of schedule: .500 (T-15th)
Baltimore selected right tackle Roger Rosengarten in the second round of last April’s draft, but the team might be in the market for a starting left tackle if long-time starter Ronnie Stanley does not re-sign after this season, the last one remaining on his current contract. Patrick Mekari, who has played across the line (including at both tackle spots) when needed the past few years, might garner interest from other teams as a free agent in the spring.
Biggest needs: WR, OG, LB, Edge, CB
Week 7 opponent: vs. Ravens
Remaining strength of schedule: .469 (T-21st)
Chris Godwin is set to enter free agency after the season, and Mike Evans’ contract expires after next season. The Bucs selected Jalen McMillan in the third round of the 2024 draft, but there could still be a need for more young receiver talent to support quarterback Baker Mayfield in 2025.
Biggest needs: Edge, DT, CB, OG, LB
Week 7 opponent: at Vikings
Remaining strength of schedule: .623 (2nd)
The loss of defensive leader Aidan Hutchinson to a broken tibia and fibia Sunday is a major blow to the Lions, who were already thin in the pass-rushing department, with Marcus Davenport suffering an elbow injury in September. Davenport is set to become a free agent this spring, as is veteran John Cominsky, so I’m expecting the Lions to secure another edge rusher early in the draft.
Biggest needs: DT, OG, CB, S, WR
Week 7 opponent: at Packers
Remaining strength of schedule: .492 (18th)
The Texans have built a solid roster, but improving the interior of their defensive line should be a top priority. Given that the only defensive tackle currently under contract for next year is backup Tim Settle, a complete rebuild might be in order.
Biggest needs: CB, DT, OG, LB, WR
Week 7 opponent: at 49ers
Remaining strength of schedule: .493 (17th)
Chris Jones is one of the top defensive tackles in the league, but fellow interior defenders Tershawn Wharton, Mike Pennel and Derrick Nnadi are all headed for free agency after this season. Look for GM Brett Veach to find defensive-line value on the draft’s second day.
Biggest needs: CB, DT, OG, S, RB
Week 7 opponent: vs. Lions
Remaining strength of schedule: .515 (11th)
The Vikings’ cornerback group for 2025 looks extremely thin, with Byron Murphy, Stephon Gilmore, Shaq Griffin and Fabian Moreau all headed for free agency. Mehki Blackmon will be coming off a torn ACL suffered in July, as well. One or two draft picks should be used at the position to rebuild some depth.
