The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here, and it is expected to be extremely unpredictable outside of the Raiders’ first overall selection. Many teams have several needs and could be looking to trade down with teams willing to trade up who have only limited pressing needs. It will be interesting to see which team ends up picking RB Jeremiyah Love, as he is projected by many to be the best player in the draft. Here is a list of the biggest team needs and the players they may be looking for.
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NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Christian Parker, which means they need linebackers. Fortunately, they have two number one picks, picks 12 and 20, so they should be able to fill their needs. Unfortunately, the top-ranked linebackers may be gone by the time they pick, forcing them to draft a defensive lineman or a defensive back. At any rate, both picks should be on the defensive side of the ball and then focus on the offensive line, especially tackle, on day 2. They would love for LB Sonny Styles to make it to them at 12, but I don’t see that happening. Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk should be there at 12, and then they can get LB Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech at 20.
New York Giants
Some pundits think the Giants’ biggest need is running back and have them drafting Jeremiyah Love. I think that would be a huge mistake because the Giants have more pressing needs on defense and on the
offensive line. The Giants just traded DT Dexter Lawrence and now have picks 5 and 10, giving them flexibility. They can draft offensive and/or defensive linemen. They also have issues with LB, safety, and corner, but I suspect they can draft a top wide receiver without missing out on a defensive player because of the trade. I think they are a shoo-in to draft Ohio St. LB Sonny Styles at 5, especially if the Titans draft RB Jeremiyah Love. Their 10th overall pick is going to be interesting. I can see them drafting another Ohio State player in S Caleb Downs, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they drafted WR Omar Cooper Jr. out of Indiana, as they are thin at WR.
Philadelphia Eagles
There are circulating rumors that the Eagles will trade WR AJ Brown. The Eagles will have to wait until after June 1st for salary cap reasons. If these rumors are true, then I would expect the Eagles to draft a WR in this spot unless an elite edge rusher fell in their lap. WR KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M should be there.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders have a ton of holes right now. They are another team that is in the Love sweepstakes. I can see them drafting him if he falls to 7, but I think it would be a mistake to trade up to get him. It would cost them too much draft capital, and they have too many holes to fill. Their defense can’t stop anybody, and they are thin at receiver. I think they would be best suited to take the best defensive player on the board because QB Jayden Daniels can make plays happen when healthy. I think they draft S Caleb Downs or CB Mansoor Delane out of LSU.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
The Bears are in a much better position than they have been in recent drafts. They don’t have the glaring offensive holes they’ve had in the past. Sure, they could use another receiver, but they need an edge pass rusher, a steady linebacker, and defensive back help. Remember, they were shredded by Green Bay twice late in the season, and if the Packers didn’t collapse, we would be talking about how much the Bears need to improve their defense. DT Peter Woods out of Clemson would be an upgrade, but CB Colton Hood could improve their secondary against a division that is stocked with receivers.
Detroit Lions
It’s difficult to believe the Super Bowl hopefuls finished last in the NFC North last season. They are a team that could finish last again, but could also win the division. They are a bit of a mess right now as they have had many departures this offseason. They need a left tackle, plus they need as many defensive players at all levels as they can get. Defensive line, linebackers, and cornerbacks. You name it, they need it. Many expect the Lions to draft Georgia OT Monroe Freeling to make the offensive line dominant. I think they would be better served to draft defense, and they could draft LB Jacob Rodriguez, beating the Cowboys to the punch.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers are one of those teams that figure it out, but could this be the year that they take a step back? They do not have a first-round pick due to Micah Parsons trade. I believe they need interior defensive linemen, as they will struggle against the run if they do not improve. The cornerback and offensive line rooms are thin, and I would expect them to use middle-round picks there. Picking late second round makes predicting impossible.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings finished 9-8 despite horrible QB play. In comes Kyler Murray to alleviate that problem (maybe). The Vikings’ only pressing offensive need is at center, but at 18, that would be a reach. Instead, they need players at corner and safety. If the front doesn’t get pressure, those corners struggle big time. Safety Harrison Smith could be back, but they need to find his replacement. I will go with the flow and predict they draft Oregon S Dillon Thieneman. They have two third-round picks and are a dark horse to draft RB Emmett Johnson out of Nebraska. He is a Minnesotan who lives 15 minutes from US Bank Stadium, and he would be a good fit as he could get a season under his belt and be the starter after the Vikings cut ties with both Aaron Jones and Mason Taylor heading into 2027. They could also draft a WR or defensive linemen with those third-round picks and look for a replacement RB in 2027.
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons all of a sudden need a right tackle as Kaleb McGary retired. Unfortunately, they do not have a number one pick. Besides tackle, they are extremely thin at wide receiver and need help at the interior defensive line and cornerback positions.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers can take the best player available because they don’t have glaring weaknesses, but they don’t have any glaring strengths either. I hope that TE Kenyon Sadiq makes it to them so that he can give QB Bryce Young another weapon. He makes perfect sense. If he is not available, maybe they can trade down and draft TE Eli Stowers out of Vanderbilt. Look for the Panthers to try to improve the interior defensive and offensive lines with their mid-round picks.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints were a bit better than I expected, and I think it would be best if they added more weapons to their offense. They are hurting for a second wide receiver to complement Chris Olave, but if RB Jerimiyah Love falls to them, I don’t see how they can pass. RB Alvin Kamara is getting old and has clearly lost a step. Love could step right in on day one and give their offense the boost it needs. If Love is not available, I would think they would draft the best receiver, and that could be Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Many have the Buccaneers taking TE Kenyon Sadiq, but I would think that would be a mistake. An offensive first-round pick would be a disappointment as their defense took a major step back, and they could use help at all levels. DT Veta Vea is getting older, and I think he has lost a step. They also could use a rangy linebacker who can play sideline to sideline. I can see them drafting LB Jacob Rodriguez or DT Peter Woods.
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
Many pundits have them taking OT Francis Mauigoa from Miami, but I can see them taking LB Arvell Reese out of Ohio State if the Jets pass at 2. They really need the defensive help, as their offense can hold its own. Reese gives them a guy who can play sideline to sideline and get after the passer. Look for them to draft a tackle with their second pick. I know they need a long-term replacement at QB, but I think they will wait until 2027. If Reese goes to the Jets, then I think edge David Bailey out of Texas Tech makes the most sense.
Los Angeles Rams
Many pundits have the Rams taking a wide receiver, as Davante Adams is getting older, but the Rams are a win-now team. Their defense was shredded by the Seahawks’ offense in the NFC Championship game. They did trade for CB Trent McDuffie, but I think they need to add more to make a run at the Super Bowl. QB Matt Stafford doesn’t have much tread left on the tires, so the priority is to find a win-now player. The best defensive player available makes the most sense.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers went much further than I think most expected. QB Brock Purdy answered any doubts when he was on the field, so the offense shouldn’t be a huge concern. The 49ers, like most teams, need an edge rusher and some bulk in their interior line.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle doesn’t have a ton of holes, but they do need a running back and edge rusher. Super Bowl MVP RB Kenneth Walker is with the Chiefs, and Zach Charbonnet will not be ready to start the season. RB Jadarian Price out of Notre Dame should be there. If they pass on him, then they will address the edge rusher weakness and surely grab an RB in round 2 or 3.
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
QB Josh Allen sure takes heat after playoff losses, but he is often let down by a defense that gives up a ton of points. I would expect the Bills to improve their run defense, which was a sieve at times, and their secondary gave up big plays to Denver in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it may be slim pickings for the positions they need at this point in the draft. I think they would love it if DT Peter Woods made it to them, as he would fill their biggest need. They could also use another WR, even though they acquired DJ Moore for their second-round pick. WR KC Concepcion would be difficult to pass up.
Miami Dolphins
Miami is another team that has the you-name-it, we-need-it holes on both sides of the ball. Fortunately, they have 7 picks in the top 94. They need an offensive lineman, and they may have the thinnest wide receiver room in all of football. On defense, they need a pass rusher and secondary help. I think they would be a lock to take Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr. if he makes it to them. If he is off the board, then they could take OT Francis Mauigoa with pick 11. The Dolphins also have pick 30 from Denver, and I think they will go receiver here. WR Denzel Boston out of Washington would make a lot of sense.
New England Patriots
The Patriots may find it difficult to repeat last season’s success because they will have a more difficult schedule. I know they could use help on the offensive line because their offense struggled against good defensive teams, and QB Drake Maye was under a ton of pressure. They are also extremely thin at receiver, especially after the departure of WR Stefon Diggs. Defensively, they are sound but could use another pass rusher. UCF edge Malachi Lawrence should be there, but I think they would love it if WR Denzel Boston fell to them instead.
New York Jets
The Jets really need a quarterback, but that won’t happen early unless they reach for Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the 16th overall pick. They have too many holes to fill, especially on defense, and I think they should take LB Arvell Reese, but we can never be too sure. The Jets have so many needs that I would be open to trading this pick to get more picks. They can go in many directions with pick 16, as Simpson should be there, as mentioned. They can draft WR Makai Lemon out of USC if available, but I think I would pass on WR and draft the best defensive player available.
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens need help on the offensive line, especially after losing C Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders. The Ravens are also extremely thin at receiver and need a good red zone threat. OT Spencer Fano is the pundit’s lineman of choice, and I think they are right.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals need offensive line play to protect the big investment they have in QB Joe Burrow, but they will have to wait until the second round. The Bengals traded their first-round pick of DT Dexter Lawrence, which fills a big need on defense. The Bengals could also be a candidate to trade up to grab a lineman in the second round.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns probably need a quarterback, but that can wait until 2027. Expect the Browns to spend their entire draft improving the offensive line and receiver room. Ohio St. WR Carnell Tate should be there at pick 6, and I don’t think they will pass on him. Pick 24 should address the offensive line; OT Blake Miller out of Clemson or OT Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama would make sense.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers need a quarterback, and they could be in the running for Ty Simpson. He would make a lot of sense as QB Aaron Rodgers, who is expected back, will not be there next season. Are the Steelers delusional and think they can win now? If so, they will skip on Simpson and provide Rodgers with another receiving weapon. I think they would be better off drafting defensive help, as their defense has taken a step back and their rushers are aging. Edge Akheem Mesidor out of Miami would be a solid pick, or CB Colton Hood would round out the secondary.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Offensive line help is a must. They need to run the ball better and score from the one-yard line. Many blamed RB Woody Marks, but he was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on many goal-line carries. Plus, QB CJ Stroud needs time to pass, as we have seen him harassed in yearly playoff games, leading to turnovers. Look for them to take an offensive tackle—either Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State or Kadyn Proctor.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts do not have a first-round pick after trading for CB Sauce Gardner, which means their scouting department is going to have a ton of pressure to find an edge rusher. They struggled to get after the passer, and the defense was exposed against the good teams. On offense, they are extremely thin at wide receiver, which is going to be a position that is extremely difficult to fill after round 2.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are close to being a Super Bowl team. Did I just say that? The offense is solid, and the only thing holding them back is the defensive line, which is a big problem. They have to get after the quarterback and stop the run. Look for them to draft as many defensive linemen as possible, but will have to wait until the second round to do so, barring a trade back into the first round.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are the favorites to land RB Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame. I know he’s an exciting player and would cause a lot of excitement, but I don’t think he is the right pick. This team has too many holes and is too far away from winning to draft a running back. I would love to see them draft a top defensive player or trade the pick for a ransom because they need as many defensive front-seven players as they can get, and improve the offensive line. Unfortunately, I think if they keep the pick, they will draft Love, which will be a big downgrade for those picking him early in the second round in best-ball leagues right now.
AFC West
Denver Broncos
The Broncos already upgraded their offense by trading their first-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. I don’t know if they really needed a receiver, as I thought they had enough there. Trading the pick is going to make it tough for them to upgrade at the middle linebacker position, which is their biggest need. I think they would love to add TE Eli Stowers, but would have to trade to get him.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ defense has been a strength, and I expect them to continue to add to it. They need an edge pass rusher and a cornerback after trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams. They do have two first-round picks, and I think they are a strong candidate to draft Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and then come back for the best corner available at 29. They could also use that pick for the best offensive tackle available.
Las Vegas Raiders
It’s a forgone conclusion that the Raiders will take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. After that, they can fill their needs any way they want, as the Raiders did a solid job adding in free agency. Besides having a second- and third-round pick, the Raiders also have three 4th-round picks, so they are in good shape. They are thin at receiver and could use a big red-zone target to complement TE Brock Bowers. They can also round out their secondary, along with the interior defensive line, and add depth to the offensive line.
Los Angeles Chargers
The only position group holding the Chargers back last season was the offensive line. If you look at their losses, it was because they had trouble running the ball and protecting the passer. Not to mention the litany of holding and false start penalties that sent the offense backward. But there is no panic heading into 2026. Both tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, were lost for the season, but both will be back. They also signed center Tyler Biadasz, meaning they have to draft a guard, if not two. Another position of need is along the defensive line. NT Dalvin Tomlinson is getting old and will need some younger legs to help stop the run. I think they take guard Chase Bisontis out of Texas A&M.
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