The 2024 NFL season is in the books with the Philadelphia Eagles taking down the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. With the NFL Draft just two and a half months away, teams are preparing to bolster their rosters with a focus on their runs to the playoffs and perhaps a title. Cerberus Fantasy Sports continues to break down four teams weekly with insights on team needs and overall draft strategies. This week we look at picks 9 through 12 in the draft, featuring the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys.
New Orleans Saints
Team Overview:
The Saints posted a 5-12 record in 2024, missing the playoffs for the 4th straight season and finished last in the division for the first time since 2008. They were 24th in scoring, 19th in points allowed, and 16th in turnover differential. The Saints will need substantial improvement across the board to rebound from their worst win percentage in two decades.
Team Needs:
On offense, the Saints may look for a quarterback to replace Derek Carr unless they still believe Spencer Rattler is the long-term answer. The offensive line is fairly solid with top position of need at right guard. Among the skill positions, tight end is a need with Taysom Hill coming off an ACL injury and Juwan Johnson a free agent. Wide receiver depth is lacking behind Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed.
Defensively, the defensive line and secondary were the biggest weaknesses in 2024. A defensive tackle is a must and a bookend is needed for Carl Granderson. At cornerback, Paulson Adebo is heading toward free agency, and Marshon Lattimore is already gone. Opposing slot receivers torched the Saints’ defense, so a new slot corner is a top priority. Both safeties, which included Tyrann Mathieu, are heading towards free agency, so both safeties must also be replaced.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Saints have six of their nine draft picks in the first four rounds. They could look for a quarterback in the first round or focus on the defensive secondary. Look for the Saints to draft skill position players in the third round with a focus on the offensive line in round four. As is the case with most teams, the Saints will likely pick the best available player with the later picks focusing on edge rusher, and depth at linebacker and offensive tackle.
Chicago Bears
Team Overview:
The Bears finished last in the NFC North with a record of 5-12 and suffered their 4th consecutive losing season. They were ranked 28th in scoring offense, but a respectable 13th in points allowed. On the positive, the Bears were 9th in turnover differential at +8. They face a huge obstacle to move up in the standings next year with the other three teams in the division each surpassing double-digit wins.
Team Needs:
Offensively, the Bears need to bolster the skill position around quarterback Caleb Williams. Slot receiver Keenan Allen was productive later in the season and is set to hit free agency. Running back D’Andre Swift had his moments but a solid running back is needed in the wings due to questions about Swift’s durability. The biggest need offensively is the line. Coleman Shelton, Teven Jenkins, and Matt Pryor will all likely be gone via free agency.
Much of the problems on the defensive side of the ball were issues across the line. The run defense was atrocious, so adding a couple of defensive tackles is a must. In addition, there was very little pressure generated on the ends except for Montez Sweat. In the secondary, Jaylon Johnson was solid in the one corner, but Tyrique Stevenson had a challenging season which resulted in a benching.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Bears have four of the first 72 picks in the draft and seven selections overall. Addressing the offensive line is likely with the first pick, although don’t be surprised if the Bears go after defensive tackle Mason Graham out of Michigan. An edge rusher along with a running back is the best bet for the Bears in the 2nd and 3rd rounds,
Later-round selections will probably be the best available at the receiver, offensive line, and defensive secondary. Another option for the Bears is to attack the wavier wire or try to sign some prominent free agents, although the latter is a long shot.
San Francisco 49ers
Team Overview:
After three straight winning seasons and a Super Bowl loss in 2023, the 49ers dropped to last in the NFC West at 6-11. Normally a strong suit, the 49ers defense struggled in 2024, finishing 29th in points allowed and 27th in turnover differential at -10. On the plus side, the 49ers were a solid 14th in scoring despite the absence of Christian McCaffrey for much of the season. A good draft and more luck on the injury front should put the 49ers back in contention in a relatively tight division.
Team Needs:
The skill positions are set except wide receiver where Deebo Samuel is likely gone and Brandon Aiyuk is coming off an injury. The interior of the offensive line is weak, particularly at center and Aaron Banks is likely leaving via free agency. A backup at left tackle for 37-year-old Trent Williams would also be a wise selection.
Much like the interior of the offensive line, the 49ers need to address the defensive tackle position. The good news is that there are many viable options in the early rounds. A surprising weakness was edge rushing, even with Nick Bosa. A linebacker is a big need to replace Dre Greenlaw. In the secondary, the 49ers could use replacements for Talanoa Hufanga and perhaps Charvarius Ward.
The 49ers were dreadful on special teams last season. Jake Moody hit only 24 of 34 field goal attempts, while Mitch Wishnowsky had the lowest punting average in the NFL.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The 49ers have ten picks and a great chance to address most of their needs. Look for them to select an offensive tackle to protect Brock Purdy early and address the secondary in the second round. Round three choices should focus on an edge rusher and a solid backup tight end behind George Kittle. With three picks in round four, expect the 49ers to add depth at linebacker, offensive line, and wide receiver. Three late-round picks should focus on the best available player for depth along the defensive line. The 49ers could draft a kicker or punter, but will more likely sign an undrafted free agent.
Dallas Cowboys
Team Overview:
After winning the NFC East in 2023, the Cowboys were expected to challenge again for the top and make a playoff run. Instead, they struggled, losing Dak Prescott to injury, and finished 7-10, well behind the Washington Commanders the Super Bowl champions Philadelphia Eagles. Dallas was dreadful on defense, ranked 31st in points allowed. They were 24th in scoring and 21st in turnover differential. There are so many needs on both sides of the ball for the Cowboys to return to the playoffs next season but a winning record is not out of the question next season.
Team Needs:
The biggest issue on offense is the lack of a playmaking wide receiver outside of CeeDee Lamb, particularly with Brandin Cooks hitting the free-agent market. Rico Dowdle was a pleasant surprise at running back, but the position now becomes one of need with him entering free agency. Along the offensive line, guard Zack Martin could be retiring while a veteran tackle is needed since Tyler Guyton was subpar in pass protection as a rookie.
Defensively, the Cowboys need a bookend for Micah Parsons, especially with DeMarcus Lawrence entering free agency. The interior of the defensive line needs help in terms of a run-stopper and pass-rusher. Erick Kendricks was excellent against the run but was substandard as a coverage linebacker. The secondary was another issue, but slot cornerback was excellent with Jourdan Lewis. However, he is likely to be moving on with his contract expiring.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Cowboys have ten picks in the draft with one in each of the first three rounds, five in the 5th round, two in the 6th round, and one in the 7th round. The most likely pick in the first round is running back Asthon Jeanty from Boise State. Expect the Cowboys to select a wide receiver and defensive lineman in the next two rounds, while focusing on the interior of the offensive line and linebacker in round five. The best available in the secondary and edge rusher could be the picks in the late rounds.
This wraps up the breakdown for the New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Dallas Cowboys. Next week, we will focus on the 13th through 16th picks in the 2025 draft, featuring the Miami Dolphins, Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, and Arizona Cardinals. Each team finished 8-9 last season and on the verge of a playoff berth. The draft could make the difference between returning to the playoffs or missing out once again next season. You don’t want to miss what we have for you next, so follow Cerberus Fantasy Sports for all draft coverage needs.