With the primary wave of 2025 NFL free agency over, groups are beginning to spherical into form. Each crew treats free company as a time to fill holes they don’t imagine they’ll via the draft. They typically swing for gamers to place them over high. This yr a handful of groups with their strikes have modified their wants in subsequent month’s draft.
Minnesota Vikings
After their loss to the Los Angeles Rams within the opening spherical of the 2025 playoffs, it turned clear the Vikings wanted to shake issues up. With the looming contract of breakout QB Sam Darnold and questions within the trenches on either side, it was clear this was going to be an essential free company interval.
The Vikings crushed free company as they took care of the trenches by bringing in Middle Ryan Kelly, RG Will Fries, and two pass-rushing defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. The offensive line signings have been tremendously wanted. All through the 2024 season one of many greatest flaws within the Vikings offense was the inside of the offensive line. They may not face up to fast stress up the center. That was clear within the matchup versus the Rams because the Vikings gave up 9 sacks and 42 pressures, in keeping with PFF.
Including each defensive tackles to this Vikings crew was an enormous win. It provides them a possibility to make use of the Eagles mannequin of regularly having a rotating secure of rushers. With different smaller additions, the Vikings have modified their draft wants. Because it stands, I see the Vikings’ wants as left guard, cornerback, and a long-term reply at security. One participant to look out for the Vikings could be guard Gray Zabel. He would fill the final remaining gap on the offensive line.
Chicago Bears
After a disappointing rookie season for QB Caleb Williams, I imagine the Bears used free company to set their younger QB up for fulfillment in 2025. As a viewer, it’s pretty simple to see the place the Bears went unsuitable in 2024. First, it was preserving former coach Matt Eberflus. Second, it was neglecting the offensive line.
After the hiring of Ben Johnson, it was clear the Bears have been going to spend so much of capital to make Caleb comfy on this new offense. They set out and traded for All-Professional Guard Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to solidify the guard spots. In addition they signed Drew Dalman, the highest middle in free company from the Falcons.
In 2024 Caleb confronted immense stress. He was sacked 68 instances and pressured on dropbacks 241 instances, which was third within the league. The funding within the offensive line was tremendously wanted for Caleb’s growth as a younger QB. Paired with HC Johnson’s play-calling, Williams could possibly be in retailer for a greater sophomore season.
The Bears, on the defensive aspect of the ball, added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. Each gamers will contribute to an already stable protection. Previous to free company, I’d have penciled within the Bears choosing any of the highest offensive linemen. Resulting from their strikes, I doubt they use their draft capital early on a lineman.
Because it stands now, I’d have a look at their crew wants as working again, security, and one other go rusher. The Bears, at this level, appear the probably vacation spot for RB Ashton Jeanty. That is given Ben Johnson’s observe file with particular working backs.
Denver Broncos
After a yr of exceeding expectations, the Broncos are trying like a significant participant within the AFC West. Rookie QB Bo Nix led his crew to its first playoff berth in 8 years. The crew was constructed on a suffocating protection and fielding a top-10 offense. Coming into the 2025 free company, the Broncos have the posh to take a very good crew and put themselves in a playoff contender standing.
Certainly one of their greatest strikes was bringing in two former 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw and S Talanoa Hufanga. Each signings elevate the ground of an already high protection. Each gamers did have injury-riddled years in 2024. Nonetheless, if they’ll regain the type of earlier years, these strikes might resolve the Broncos’ issues in protection and run help.
Lastly, the Broncos discovered a productive tight finish to operate as a security valve for Bo Nix in Evan Engram. Engram, like different signings, did come off an injury-filled yr. Nonetheless, in earlier years, Engram has been one of many extra constant receiving threats at TE. Head Coach Sean Payton’s offenses, relationship again to his New Orleans Saints days, have all the time leaned closely on his tight ends being viable go catchers.
In 2024 the Broncos’ tight finish room left a lot to be desired within the receiving recreation, as none stood out as a real #1. Previous to the beginning of free company, the Broncos routinely gave Michigan TE Colston Loveland in mock drafts.
As of now, I’d have a look at their greatest wants as RB, WR, and CB. The Broncos must be in play for high playmakers within the first spherical. Look out for both WR Luther Burden or Matthew Golden. Working again is one other spot I might see them attacking early with North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton or Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.
I really feel that each one three of those groups attacked free company properly and got here out with extra solutions than questions. Relying on how the draft goes for every crew, I see each crew constructing on their earlier yr.
