The NFL offseason is here for most teams, and while a lucky few are chasing Super Bowl dreams, the rest are staring down a very different reality. 

Whether it’s licking their wounds after a disastrous year or plotting how to build on some signs of life, each team in the top 18 of the draft has its own story of what went wrong — and (hopefully) how to fix it.

It’s Green Bay hosting this year’s draft — a city that breathes football like no other. With the event set for April 24-26 at Lambeau Field, the home of legends, there’s no better place to welcome the future stars of the league. For the fans, it's more than just a draft — it's a celebration of football in a city where the sport is a way of life.

The draft isn’t just about filling roster holes. It’s about resetting narratives, building optimism, and maybe even saving a few jobs. For some franchises, this is the lifeline they’ve been waiting for. For others, it’s a chance to make that one pick that puts them over the top. Either way, these first 18 teams hold the keys to their futures, and the clock is already ticking.

No. 1 Pick: Tennessee Titans

The Titans’ 2024 season can be summed up in one word: chaos. Will Levis had flashes of potential but struggled with accuracy and pressure, leaving the front office with a massive decision to make at quarterback. The wide receiver corps didn’t do him any favors, lacking the explosiveness to threaten defenses.

QB and WR are at the top of Tennessee’s draft needs. Levis hasn’t shown enough to be the unquestioned starter, and without a major upgrade at wideout, any QB will face an uphill battle. Cody Benjamin from CBS floated the idea of the Titans signing Aaron Rodgers to a one-year deal. While intriguing, it’s hard to imagine Rodgers choosing Tennessee unless no other team offers him a shot at starting.

With a young roster, a GM search underway, and glaring holes on offense, the Titans are at a crossroads. The future could be bright, but it’ll take bold moves to get there.

No. 2 Pick: Cleveland Browns

The Browns are a study in contrast with a dominant defense led by reigning Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, paired with an offense that just couldn’t get out of its own way. At 3-14, the quarterback position is a major question mark — and Deshaun Watson’s massive contract isn’t making things any easier.

Their top draft priorities are an edge rusher to line up opposite Garrett and a quarterback who can develop while the team waits for Watson’s contract to run its course. The idea of adding a rookie contract at the quarterback position might be exactly what the franchise needs to stabilize.

The future is certainly murky. Cap constraints mean there’s no quick fix here. But with the right additions in the draft, Cleveland’s defense could keep them competitive while the offense works on finding its footing.

No. 3 Pick: New York Giants

The Giants' 2024 season was the nail in the coffin for the Daniel Jones experiment, and the offense made sure no one forgot it. Without a reliable quarterback and a struggling offensive line, this team’s rebuild isn’t off to a great start.

Quarterback and offensive tackle are clearly the biggest needs. They’re desperate for a franchise QB to lead this new era, and even the best signal-caller won’t be able to do much without better protection up front. The current line lacks any real standouts, and it’s shown on the field.

On the bright side, there are some decent skill players already in place, but until the Giants address their major roster holes, their rebuilding process is going to feel like spinning tires in the mud. This draft could be the first step toward pulling them out.

No. 4 Pick: New England Patriots

It’s tough to sugarcoat the Patriots' season. The offense hit historic lows, and while the defense did its best to keep the team afloat, they were overworked and often overwhelmed. First-year head coach Jerod Mayo’s one-year tenure ended disastrously, leaving the franchise back to square one.

The top priorities for New England heading into the draft are offensive tackle and wide receiver. The offensive line’s struggles made life hard for rookie QB Drake Maye, who showed promise but desperately needs better protection. And while they drafted Ja'lynn Polk last year, the jury’s still out on him. One thing’s for sure — they need more weapons on the outside.

The future feels cloudy, but not hopeless. A strong draft class, a revamped offensive line, and a cultural reset at head coach could finally get the Patriots back on track for the first time since Tom Brady left. 

No. 5 Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars entered 2024 with playoff hopes, but defensive regression and Trevor Lawrence’s inconsistent play — cut short by injury — sunk their season. This team has potential, but the cracks in their secondary and leadership were impossible to ignore.

Cornerback and safety are the top draft priorities. The Jaguars’ secondary is looking old and their contracts are almost up, which makes finding fresh talent in the draft a no-brainer. Without some new faces back there, this defense isn’t going to hold up against the league’s better offenses.

The future could be promising if they nail this draft and the roster plays to its potential. That said, shaky management at the top leaves fans wondering if this team can rise to the occasion.

No. 6 Pick: Las Vegas Raiders

The Raiders had a rough season, and that’s putting it nicely. The quarterback carousel didn’t help, and losing Davante Adams midseason left them with one of the weakest receiving corps in the league. Add to that a roster with holes everywhere, and it’s no wonder they’re drafting at No. 6.

Their biggest needs are a franchise quarterback and wide receiver depth. Without a solid QB to build around, it’s hard to see them competing anytime soon. The WR situation is just as dire — you can’t win in today’s NFL without playmakers, and the Raiders don’t have nearly enough.

Whether they can grab a top QB in this draft remains to be seen, but if they miss out, buckle up — it could be another long year in Las Vegas.

No. 7 Pick: New York Jets

The Jets came into the season with big expectations but left fans feeling let down — again. The defense? Pretty solid. The offense, on the other hand, was an absolute train wreck despite a roster packed with talent. Aaron Rodgers didn’t move the needle, and his age showed as the Jets failed to string wins together.

Quarterback and defensive tackle top their wish list for the draft. Rodgers didn’t deliver, and it’s clear they need a younger, long-term option under center. Meanwhile, the interior of the defensive line needs depth to support their strong edge rushers.

The good news is: that defense is still giving them a chance to stay competitive. But the new regime — whoever that may be — has a lot of heavy lifting to do to fix the offense and the culture. Meanwhile, patience is running thin in New York.

No. 8 Pick: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers’ season felt like a tale of two teams: the offense showed glimpses of what Bryce Young can become, but the defense made sure those flashes didn’t translate to wins. Ranking dead last on defense, they had virtually no pass rush to speak of, which left the secondary exposed and overwhelmed.

Their biggest draft needs are at edge rusher and defensive tackle. Simply put, they need to start building a defensive front that can pressure opposing quarterbacks and stop the run. If they don’t, even Young’s development might not be enough to keep them in games.

The future isn’t all doom and gloom, though. Young showed significant growth in the second half of the season, and a defense-first draft could give Carolina the balance they need to finally start competing again. 

No. 9 Pick: New Orleans Saints

The Saints are staring down a tough road ahead. Their defense, once a strength, is starting to show its age, and the offense is stuck in neutral. With declining stars on both sides of the ball, this team is due for a major reset.

Edge rusher and wide receiver are their most pressing needs. The pass rush is getting long in the tooth, and the Saints desperately need a spark in the receiving corps to reignite the offense. Without upgrades here, they’ll struggle to stay competitive.

Cap issues loom, making this rebuild a tricky one. But with smart drafting and a little creativity, New Orleans could find a way to climb back into contention in a division that’s far from dominant.

No. 10 Pick: Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams had a decent rookie season, showing flashes of why he was the top pick, but there’s no denying he has plenty to work on. If the draft were held again today, most people might lean toward Jayden Daniels, who was simply outstanding as a rookie. But let’s be honest: he was running for his life most of the season. The Bears' offensive line was a mess, and it held the entire offense back.

This year, the Bears absolutely have to prioritize their offensive line. It’s not just about protecting their franchise QB—it’s about giving him the chance to develop and thrive. If they can shore up the line and their defense lives up to expectations, this team could take a big step forward. The pieces are there, but it’s all about execution.

No. 11 Pick: San Francisco 49ers

Injuries were the story of the 49ers’ season, derailing what could have been another playoff run. They still have a strong core of talent, but the depth on defense — especially in the secondary and along the interior defensive line — proved to be a major weak spot.

Cornerback and defensive tackle stand out as the team’s top draft needs. The secondary was stretched too thin, and the interior D-line is showing its age. Addressing these areas will be key to ensuring they can compete with the best in the NFC next year.

This roster is still built to win. With a healthier season and the right tweaks, the 49ers could easily bounce back and be right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

No. 12 Pick: Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys’ season was a rollercoaster of inconsistency, and the loss of Tony Pollard in free agency didn’t help. The run game lacked punch, and injuries on both sides made it hard to find any rhythm.

Their top priorities in the draft are a dynamic running back and interior offensive linemen. Without a reliable ground game, the offense struggled to keep drives alive, and the O-line’s performance left plenty to be desired.

The Cowboys still have a solid core of talent. If they can nail these picks and avoid the injury bug next season, they’ll have a real shot at bouncing back.

No. 13 Pick: Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins couldn’t get out of their own way in 2024, with defensive breakdowns and injuries leading to yet another disappointing finish. For a team with playoff aspirations, it’s becoming clear that the defense needs a major overhaul.

Safety and defensive tackle are top priorities heading into the draft. The defense wasn't what anyone thought it would be, and without fresh talent, the Dolphins will continue to be exposed by top offenses. Retooling the interior defensive line would also help stabilize their run defense, which was a glaring issue all year.

There’s still hope in Miami, though. If they can address these needs and find some consistency, this team has the talent to make a serious playoff push. That said, Tyreek Hill’s recent comments about his future leave a big question mark heading into the offseason.

No. 14 Pick: Indianapolis Colts

The Colts’ 2024 season felt like one step forward, two steps back. Anthony Richardson showed flashes of potential, but his development just wasn't there, and the team’s culture issues dragged them down. Another early vacation wasn’t what this franchise had in mind.

Their top draft needs are interior offensive line and edge rusher. Richardson needs more time and protection in the pocket to take the next step, and the defense’s inability to stop the run or rush the passer was a glaring problem all year.

The future isn't exactly bright, especially with the same leadership returning. Unless they address their structural issues and give Richardson the support he needs, this team might be going around in circles.

No. 15 Pick: Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons took some strides on defense this year, but the offense couldn’t keep up its end of the bargain. It wasn’t all bad — Michael Penix Jr. showed real promise once he was finally given the reigns, but inconsistency across the board kept this team from reaching its potential.

The top draft priorities are edge rusher and defensive tackle. The pass rush just isn’t where it needs to be to disrupt opposing offenses, and adding a strong presence up front could elevate the entire unit.

There’s reason for optimism in Atlanta. If the defense keeps improving and the offense finds its groove, this team could be trending in the right direction. For now, though, they’re still a few pieces away from serious contention.

No. 16 Pick: Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals started the season looking like they might surprise people, but inconsistency quickly became their calling card. The offense and defense never seemed to play a good game on the same day, and the lack of talent continues to be an issue — dating back to the loss of Deandre Hopkins.

Edge rusher and safety are their biggest needs heading into the draft. The defensive front has been underwhelming, lacking any real playmakers, and the back end of the secondary is showing its age. Without upgrades in these areas, the defense will be something the offense can't consistently overcome.

As for the future, it all hinges on Murray. If he can stay healthy and return to form, they’ve got a shot to turn things around. But let’s be honest — this team hasn’t exactly been known for getting out of its own way.

No. 17 Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Joe Burrow was nothing short of sensational this season, putting up MVP-caliber numbers and keeping the Bengals in the hunt through the second half of the season. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do it all himself, and the defense consistently let him down when it mattered most.

Linebacker and tight end stand out as the Bengals’ top needs. The defense is in desperate need of a full overhaul, starting in the middle, where they struggled to stop the run and cover the short passing game. Offensively, the uncertainty surrounding Mike Gesicki’s future only highlights the need for a reliable, dynamic tight end.

The outlook remains bright, though. Burrow is a franchise cornerstone, and if the Bengals can build a defense that’s even league-average, they’ll be a serious threat in the AFC.

No. 18 Pick: Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks had their moments this season, showing flashes of a team that could make some noise, but now they’ve got some big questions to answer at quarterback. Geno Smith will hit free agency this offseason, and with so many quarterback-needy teams out there, his market value might end up being more than Seattle’s willing to pay.

The team’s biggest needs are at offensive guard and quarterback. The O-line has been shaky for years, and no quarterback is going to thrive behind it without upgrades. As for quarterback, they’ll need to figure out if Geno’s their guy or if it’s time to start planning for the next chapter.

Seattle’s future feels like it’s hanging in the balance. How they handle these decisions — especially under center — will set the tone for whether they take a step forward or a step back next season.