Teams Who Altered Their Draft Strategy The Most With Free Agency

Teams Who Altered Their Draft Strategy The Most With Free Agency

With the first wave of 2025 NFL free agency over, teams are starting to round into shape. Every team treats free agency as a time to fill holes they don’t believe they can through the draft. They often swing for players to put them over top. This year a handful of teams with their moves have changed their needs in next month’s draft.

Minnesota Vikings

After their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the opening round of the 2025 playoffs, it became clear the Vikings needed to shake things up. With the looming contract of breakout QB Sam Darnold and questions in the trenches on both sides, it was clear this was going to be an important free agency period.

The Vikings crushed free agency as they took care of the trenches by bringing in Center Ryan Kelly, RG Will Fries, and two pass-rushing defensive tackles in Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. The offensive line signings were greatly needed. Throughout the 2024 season one of the biggest flaws in the Vikings offense was the interior of the offensive line. They could not withstand quick pressure up the middle. That was clear in the matchup versus the Rams as the Vikings gave up 9 sacks and 42 pressures, according to PFF.

Adding both defensive tackles to this Vikings team was a big win. It gives them an opportunity to use the Eagles model of constantly having a rotating stable of rushers. With other smaller additions, the Vikings have changed their draft needs. As it stands, I see the Vikings’ needs as left guard, cornerback, and a long-term answer at safety. One player to look out for the Vikings would be guard Grey Zabel. He would fill the last remaining hole on the offensive line.

Chicago Bears

After a disappointing rookie season for QB Caleb Williams, I believe the Bears used free agency to set their young QB up for success in 2025. As a viewer, it is fairly easy to see where the Bears went wrong in 2024. First, it was keeping former coach Matt Eberflus. Second, it was neglecting the offensive line.

After the hiring of Ben Johnson, it was clear the Bears were going to spend a lot of capital to make Caleb comfortable in this new offense. They set out and traded for All-Pro Guard Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson to solidify the guard spots. They also signed Drew Dalman, the top center in free agency from the Falcons.

In 2024 Caleb faced immense pressure. He was sacked 68 times and pressured on dropbacks 241 times, which was 3rd in the league. The investment in the offensive line was greatly needed for Caleb’s development as a young QB. Paired with HC Johnson’s play-calling, Williams could be in store for a better sophomore season.

The Bears, on the defensive side of the ball, added Grady Jarrett and Dayo Odeyingbo. Both players will contribute to an already solid defense. Prior to free agency, I would have penciled in the Bears picking any of the top offensive linemen. Due to their moves, I doubt they use their draft capital early on a lineman.

As it stands now, I would look at their team needs as running back, safety, and another pass rusher. The Bears, at this point, seem the most likely destination for RB Ashton Jeanty. This is given Ben Johnson’s track record with special running backs. 

Denver Broncos

After a year of exceeding expectations, the Broncos are looking like a major player in the AFC West. Rookie QB Bo Nix led his team to its first playoff berth in 8 years. The team was built on a suffocating defense and fielding a top-10 offense. Coming into the 2025 free agency, the Broncos have the luxury to take a good team and put themselves in a playoff contender status.

One of their biggest moves was bringing in two former 49ers LB Dre Greenlaw and S Talanoa Hufanga. Both signings raise the floor of an already top defense. Both players did have injury-riddled years in 2024. However, if they can regain the form of previous years, these moves could solve the Broncos’ problems in coverage and run support.

Finally, the Broncos found a productive tight end to function as a safety valve for Bo Nix in Evan Engram. Engram, like other signings, did come off an injury-filled year. However, in previous years, Engram has been one of the more consistent receiving threats at TE. Head Coach Sean Payton’s offenses, dating back to his New Orleans Saints days, have always leaned heavily on his tight ends being viable pass catchers.

In 2024 the Broncos’ tight end room left much to be desired in the receiving game, as none stood out as a true #1. Prior to the start of free agency, the Broncos routinely gave Michigan TE Colston Loveland in mock drafts.

As of now, I would look at their biggest needs as RB, WR, and CB. The Broncos should be in play for top playmakers in the first round. Look out for either WR Luther Burden or Matthew Golden. Running back is another spot I could see them attacking early with North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton or Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson.  

I feel that all three of these teams attacked free agency well and came out with more answers than questions. Depending on how the draft goes for each team, I see every team building on their previous year.