As we approach Week 11 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 can be found 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 determine the playoff teams’ draft order.
Movement from last week’s order is indicated by arrows.
Select One Chicago Bears
Bears of Chicago
PICK GOT FROM THE PANTHERS IN CAROLINA
Panthers’ record: 1-8 with a schedule strength of.547
Week 11 opponent for the Panthers: the Cowboys
Bears need OT, IOL, WR, TE, and edge rushers most.
It was shrewd of GM Ryan Poles to demand that DJ Moore be included in the deal that sent the Bears the Panthers’ 2024 first-round selection. But with Darnell Mooney set to become a free agent at the end of the season, the Poles should consider adding more pass-catchers in the draft.
An analysis of the Panthers’ needs can be found at the bottom of this article.
Select 2 – 1 Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are 2-8 ·.521 (due to schedule strength).
Main requirements: IOL, DT, WR, CB, and Edge
11th round opponent: the Texans
The Cardinals’ offense received a much-needed boost on Sunday with the return of Kyler Murray, but the defense—one of the worst in the league—still allowed the Falcons to gain 184 yards on the ground. Dante Stills, a sixth-round selection, is guaranteed to stick, but starters Kevin Strong and Leki Fotu will be available as free agents. Arizona needs more upfront differentiators.
Select 3-1, New York Giants
Giants of New York 2-8 ·.532
Needs most at RB, DT, OL, QB, and TE
Opponent for Week 11: Commanders
Given his contract situation, injured Giants quarterback Daniel Jones most likely won’t be out of the picture for at least another season. But, general manager Joe Schoen might be forced to select a passer in April of the following year in order to give Jones a reliable backup or some immediate competition.
Choose 3-1, New York Giants New York Giants 2-8 ·.532
Most needed at QB, TE, OL, RB, and DT
Week 11 opponent: Commanders
Daniel Jones, the injured quarterback for the Giants, most likely won’t be out of the picture for at least another season given his contract situation. But to give Jones a solid backup or some early competition, general manager Joe Schoen might have to choose a passer in April of the following year.
Choose 5 2 Chicago Bears
Bears of Chicago 3-7 ·.457
opponent for Week 11: at Lions
For a breakdown of the Bears’ needs, see Pick No. 1.
Select 6 1 Green Bay Packers
Packers of Green Bay 3-6 ·.500
Primary requirements: OT, S, IOL, CB, WR
Chargers are the opponent for Week 11
In 2024, Green Bay will have to choose between giving guard Jon Runyan and center Josh Myers starting positions once more. With what is expected to be their highest selection since 2006, the Packers may consider a tackle with their first-round pick; however, they will undoubtedly select one or two more linemen later on to contend for interior positions.
Select 7 3 Tennessee Titans 3-6 ·.541 Tennessee Titans
Top needs: DT, OT, WR, Edge, and RB
11th opponent: at the Jaguars
While Tennessee selected Nicholas Petit-Frere in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft to play on the right side, and signed Andre Dillard to replace Taylor Lewan at left tackle, neither player has been a world beater. I anticipate that the Titans will select a tackle early in the draft because veteran Chris Hubbard will also be a free agent.
Main requirements: OT, CB, Edge, S, and K
Seahawks are the opponent for Week 11
Security After the season, Jordan Fuller and John Johnson III, who has been reduced to a supporting role, are expected to become unrestricted free agents. Going into 2024, the Rams may like young players Russ Yeast and Quentin Lake, but they still need to look deeper in the draft.
The likelihood that the Falcons will select a quarterback who can lead the team in 2024 and beyond increases with each week that the offense struggles. Due to a hamstring injury, veteran Taylor Heinicke left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, allowing Desmond Ridder, who was benched recently, another opportunity.
Head coach Arthur Smith has not yet selected a starting lineup for Atlanta’s upcoming game as the team prepares for a bye weekEvery week that the offense struggles, the more likely it is that the Falcons will select a quarterback who can guide the team into 2024 and beyond. Veteran Taylor Heinicke left Sunday’s game against the Cardinals due to a hamstring injury, giving recently benched player Desmond Ridder another chance. As the team gets ready for a bye week, head coach Arthur Smith has not yet decided on the starting lineup for Atlanta’s next game.
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