The 2025 NFL free agency period is in full swing with teams actively signing players to fill needs. The NFL draft, which will take place April 24 – April 26, will further add depth and perhaps some future stars.. Cerberus Fantasy Sports concludes insights on teams’ needs and overall draft strategies with picks 29 through 32 featuring the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Washington Commanders
Team Overview:
The Commanders were the surprise team in the NFL in 2024 after going 12-5 and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. Their 12 wins were eight more than in 2023 and the most since the 1991 season. The Commanders were 5th in scoring, 18th in fewest points allowed, and 15th in scoring differential. Solid offseason moves to improve the defense and Jayden Daniels proving he isn’t a won-hit wonder would keep the Commanders in the running for the NFC East title.
Top Needs:
The Commanders needed an upgrade across from cornerback Marshon Lattimore and signed Jonathan Jones, but still need some depth at the position. Edge rusher, linebacker, safety, and defensive tackle were also needs heading into the offseason but the team has already signed players in free agency to address these needs.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Commanders had a slew of mediocre receivers on the roster behind Terry McLaurin. Although they traded for Deebo Samuel, he hasn’t surpassed 900 yards receiving in a season since 2021 and the team still needs to add another receiver to the mix. Andrew Wylie was the weakest of the unit and an upgrade at right tackle is imperative. Kicker Austin Seibert is a free agent and must be re-signed or replaced.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Commanders have five picks in the draft. Don’t be surprised to see them select the best available players at each slot regardless of position. A running back and linebacker are likely with the first two picks at number 29 and number 61, while a right tackle in the 4th round would be ideal to replace Austin Seibert. Addressing the wide receiver position is imperative and a late-round receiver along with a cornerback or safety appears to be the direction the team will head.
Buffalo Bills
Team Overview:
The Bills won the AFC East in 2024 with a 13-4 record for their 5th straight divisional title. However, they fell in the AFC Championship Game and haven’t reached the Super Bowl since 1993. The Bills were 1st in turnover differential at +24. In addition, they scored 2nd and 11th in the fewest points allowed. A stronger defense is needed in 2025 to propel the Bills over the hump and into the Super Bowl.
Top Needs:
As potent as their offense was last season, the Bills need a legitimate number-one receiver. Amari Copper was inconsistent late in the season and although the team signed Joshua Palmer, he has not proven to be a number-one. The one weakness along the offensive line at right guard where O’Cryus Torrence plays. He will need to be replaced.
The secondary is a question mark with Rasul Douglas a free agent and even if he is re-signed, he is over 30 and the team needs more youth at the position. Safety Damar Hamlin was re-signed but the Bills still need another safety who is solid in pass coverage. More depth is needed at defensive tackle after losing some depth in free agency. An upgrade at punter is needed since Sam Martin was only 27th in net punting in 2024.
Draft Strategy Tease:
With the biggest needs on defense, the Bills will undoubtedly look to bolster that side of the ball early. Look for picks along the defensive line and secondary in the first two rounds. A good running back will be there for the picking along with help at linebacker, cornerback, and edge rushers during the middle rounds. Addressing the offensive line for depth to protect the franchise Josh Allen is imperative, so the best available at the position in the late rounds is likely. With ten selections in the draft, the Bills have a good chance to solidifying their roster.
Kansas City Chiefs
Team Overview:
The Chiefs posted the best record in the NFL in 2024 at 15-2 winning their 9th straight AFC West title. They advanced to the Super Bowl for the third consecutive season but were denied a three-peat after being dominated by the Philadelphia Eagles. The Chiefs were 4th in fewest points allowed, but only 14th in scoring and 12th in turnover differential. Is the dynasty over or do the Chiefs have more Super Bowl runs in store? The moves made this offseason could tell the tale.
Top Needs:
Much of the needs have already been addressed in the free agency period. The Chiefs needed help at left tackle after they were forced to move guard Joe Thuney to the position. That was addressed with the signing of Jaylon Moore. Thuney was traded to the Chicago Bears and although Trey Smith is returning, another guard is needed. At wide receiver, DeAndre Hopkins signed with the Baltimore Ravens, so depth is needed at the position.
On defense, the Chiefs could use a solid defensive end opposite George Karlaftis, who was excellent late last season. Although the team signed defensive tackle Jerry Tillery, they lost Tershawan Wharton to the Carolina Panthers and the team needs depth to go along with Tillery and Chris Jones. Although Nick Bolton was re-signed, the Chiefs linebacking crew needs depth.
Draft Strategy Tease:
After the Chiefs’ offensive line was dominated in the Super Bowl, don’t be surprised if they wheel and deal and move up in the first round to select an offensive lineman. Rounds two through four are likely to address needs at edge rusher, offensive guard, and tight end depth. With no picks in rounds five and six, the Chiefs will use their three selections in the 7th on the best available players along the defensive line and secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles
Team Overview:
After a 2-2 start, the Eagles went 13-1 the rest of the season and stormed through the playoffs, culminating in a 40-22 domination over the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. The Eagles were 7th in scoring, 2nd in fewest points allowed, and 6th in turnover differential. After losing several key members of the defensive unit, the Eagles will need a strong offseason of free-agent signings and draft picks to stay on top. The good news is the majority of the core is returning in attempts of another Super Bowl run.
Top Needs:
The Eagles need to address the defensive line with Milton Williams and Josh Sweat signing elsewhere. They added Josh Uche but don’t be surprised to see a draft pick of two addressing this key position that dominated the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. In the secondary, the Eagles added cornerback Adoree’ Jackson to replace Darius Slay but need a safety to replace CJ Gardner-Johnson, who was traded to the Houston Texans.
Although Mekhi Becton signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, the Eagles should have a replacement in Kenyon Green, who was acquired in the CJ Gardner-Johnson trade. There is very little need on offense with perhaps the exception of depth at wide receiver. Jahan Dotson was solid in the Super Bowl but was quiet for the majority of the regular season.
Draft Strategy Tease:
The Eagles have eight picks in the first five rounds of the NFL Draft. General manager Howie Roseman had a masterful draft last season and looks for the same magic this year. An edge rusher in the first round is not out of the question, but don’t be surprised if the Eagles trade down to add picks. Expect a defensive tackle and offensive tackle as eventual replacement for Lane Johnson in the next two rounds. With the future of Dallas Goedert up in the air, a tight end selection in the middle rounds would be an optimal pick. Expect the three picks in the 5th round to address running back depth, cornerback, and safety, although with Roseman, he might have other tricks up his sleeve.
This wraps-up the breakdown for the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles. The teams featured were the cream of the crop in the NFL last season and should be favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy next season. Moves in the draft could be key to their success. You don’t want to miss what we have for you next, so follow Cerberus Fantasy Sports for all draft coverage needs.
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