NFL teams are finalizing their draft boards with the 2026 draft just days away.
The 91st edition of the NFL Draft will be held from April 23-25, with Pittsburgh hosting for the first time since 1948.
USA TODAY Sports examines the biggest position of need for all 32 teams.
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Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The word out of the NFL owners meetings was that the Cardinals are preparing to start Jacoby Brissett at quarterback. Brissett is a serviceable bridge QB, but he’s not the long-term solution at the position. Gardner Minshew is currently penciled in as the backup quarterback. The Cardinals could draft a QB or wait until next year’s draft where the quarterback class is considerably better.
Biggest position of need: Tackle
Falcons agreed to terms with tackle Jawaan Taylor on the same day tackle Kaleb McGary announced his retirement. Taylor is a short-term answer at right tackle, a position tasked with protecting the blindside of either Michael Penix Jr. or Tua Tagovailoa, both of whom are left-handed. Atlanta also must consider an edge rusher. James Pearce Jr. is facing three felony charges in Florida in relation to allegedly crashing his car into one driven by his ex-girlfriend. Pearce could be disciplined by the NFL pending the investigation.
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Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The free agent loss of center Tyler Linderbaum has a ripple effect across Baltimore’s offensive line, especially in the interior. The Ravens signed veteran center Danny Pinter and guard John Simpson in free agency. However, work still needs to be done to solidify the interior of their offensive line. Cornerback depth is another area the Ravens could look to address after they finished at the bottom of the AFC in pass defense.
Biggest position of need: Nose tackle
New Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is transitioning the unit to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Ed Oliver is a traditional three-technique defensive tackle and T.J. Sanders isn’t a traditional nose tackle. That leaves Deone Walker as Buffalo’s nose tackle. More depth and even a potential starter can be added in the draft.
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Biggest position of need: Tight end
The Panthers addressed their offseason’s biggest position of need in free agency with the addition of edge rusher Jaelan Phillips. Carolina’s focus must now shift on offense. The Panthers had the worst pass offense of any team that qualified for the playoffs last season, no Carolina tight end had more than 29 catches.
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Safety Coby Bryant was the type of player Chicago’s secondary needed, especially after the departures of DBs Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker and Jonathan Owens, but the Bears’ ability to rush the passer is still a weakness. Chicago ranked second to last in pass rush win rate last year, per ESPN.
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Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Bengals lost edge rusher Trey Hendrickson to their division rival Ravens this offseason, but Cincinnati added Boye Mafe to help replace Hendrickson. The Bengals still have work to do at defensive end. Cincinnati had the worst pass rush win rate in the NFL in 2025, per ESPN.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Arvell Reese, LB/DE, Ohio State
On a defense already dotted with stars, Reese rose from an occasional contributor to a bona fide star in his first full season as a starter. The 6-4, 241-pound linebacker exhibited uncommon fluidity for a player of his size, finding equal comfort dropping back in coverage as bullying his way into the backfield. His pass-rush plan is still rather rudimentary at the moment, but he has the toolkit of a double-digit sack artist. In a league where defenses are constantly taxed against the pass and run, Reese displays a unique aptitude for detonating whatever play an offense might throw at him.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
It’s a testament to Mendoza’s impeccable body of work that the pre-draft vivisection of his game has largely only turned up questions of how he’ll fare operating from under center rather than in the shotgun.
No one will confuse the 6-5, 236-pound Heisman Trophy winner with the likes of Cam Ward or Drake Maye, as he’s not particularly creative or dangerous when a play breaks down. But that’s about the only phase in which Mendoza comes up short. He’s as precise as any passer you’ll find from the college ranks, and he comfortably works through progressions and manipulates coverages. His arm strength isn’t otherworldly, but he can attack every level with suitable velocity on his throws. Forcing him off his spot can throw him off his rhythm, but Mendoza rarely loses his cool under pressure and still conjures solutions when things aren’t going his way. Beyond the improvisational shortcomings, he’s the picture of a top-tier quarterback prospect.
More: Why Fernando Mendoza won’t be at NFL draft: Indiana QB staying home
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame
The hyperbole inherent to NFL draft evaluations doesn’t seem so outlandish when it’s being attached to Love. For the 6-0, 213-pound Heisman Trophy finalist, everything starts with his game-breaking speed, which allows him to turn the corner with ease or jet through even the narrowest of openings on the interior. And once he has a step on the defense, he’s extremely unlikely to be caught. He’s far from just a linear threat, however, as his distinct creativity shines through in the open field – particularly when he unleashes his spin move or hurdle. Operating in a different gear than everyone else has created some inconsistencies in his early pacing, but it’s rarely something that derails him. His elite skill set also carries over to his work as a pass catcher, where he can further vex defenses that won’t likely have an answer when he lines up in the slot or out wide. It’s fair to hold onto questions of positional value for running backs, but Love is unquestionably among a select few who deserve to be seen as this class’ difference-makers.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Rueben Bain Jr., DE, Miami
No defender in college football broke open games last season quite like Bain, who led the Football Bowl Subdivision with 83 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The 6-2, 263-pounder frequently took the shortest path possible to the quarterback, uprooting anyone who stood in his way. Bain’s atypical build for an edge rusher – including his short arms – invited plenty of scrutiny about how he might translate to the pro ranks, but he’s already demonstrated he can mitigate the concern. If he’s neutralized, it seems unlikely that it’ll become a common occurrence.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
After arriving at Ohio State as an elite athlete searching for a true position, Styles departs Columbus having developed an unparalleled proficiency for the intricacies of linebacker play. The 6-5, 244-pound former safety could be counted on to be in the right place to plug the run at all times, and he still has room to grow in coverage and as a blitzer. Clean in everything he does, Styles can help be a standard-bearer for whatever defense he joins.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
From his first snaps at Alabama as a five-star freshman to his final push at Ohio State, Downs put himself in a class all his own at safety. The two-time unanimous All-American repeatedly snuffed out plays before they could get started, particularly against the run or near the line of scrimmage. While he doesn’t measure up as a physical marvel like Kyle Hamilton or Derwin James, he could have the same bottom-line effect for a defense, even if he doesn’t match their ball production. His position might prevent him from cracking the top five, but he’ll force offenses to account for him on every down.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
David Bailey, OLB/DE, Texas Tech
Right off the snap, Bailey gets offensive linemen on their toes. The 6-4, 251-pound edge rusher’s explosion off the ball can get blockers off balance in an instant, at which point Bailey can attack them by changing course or unleashing a spin move. Bailey’s lean frame can result in him being eradicated in the run game at times, but players who can derail opposing passers with his level of efficiency can’t be ignored. It shouldn’t be long into his NFL transition before his pressure rate ticks up and he takes his place as one of the league’s most threatening matchups off the edge.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
He was never the WR1 in the Buckeyes’ loaded receiver room, but Tate stands above the rest of the pass-catching options in this class. With subtle shifts in his tempo and sudden breaks in his routes, the 6-2, 192-pound target creates separation without much strain. He settles into open spaces against zone and skies over defensive backs to haul in difficult passes down the sideline. He might not look the part of a go-to target, but he measures up to the title in almost every respect.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
Not long into his foray into the Southeastern Conference, the Virginia Tech transfer made clear to opponents that he was not to be tested. Delane rapidly earned the title of shutdown corner, with teams almost universally opting to avoid throwing his way. At the next level, he figures to draw comparisons to Trent McDuffie – another cornerback who doesn’t let his size or limited ball production prevent him from being recognized as a first-tier cover man.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Makai Lemon, WR, USC
In an earlier era, Lemon might have been dismissed as a slot receiver not capable of being an offensive focal point. Now, however, there shouldn’t be much doubt about how much the Biletnikoff Award winner can shoulder. Lemon is a maestro when it comes to getting open underneath, and he can be counted on to vacuum up any throw that approaches his area. And teams that underestimate his downfield credentials could end up paying if they try to sit on short and intermediate throws.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
Jermod McCoy, CB, Tennessee
A torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last January kept McCoy out of commission for all of last season and clouded his pre-draft process. But in a stellar pro day showing, the 6-1, 188-pound corner served up a reminder that he has all the trappings of a top-tier cover man. With superlative ball skills and ample tools to stick with receivers throughout their routes, McCoy can grow into a standout in any defensive scheme.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Dillon Thieneman, S, Oregon
After his impressive performance at the NFL scouting combine, Thieneman rocketed into the discussion of this draft’s premier defensive backs. Easy coverage instincts extend his already expansive range, and vigilance is required for any passing attack that throws to his area of the field. He can’t measure up to Downs or some of the other safeties in this class when operating closer to the line of scrimmage, but he shouldn’t be asked to serve in that capacity too frequently anyway.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
13. Olaivavega Ioane, G, Penn State
Even with everything crumbling around him in Penn State’s calamitous season, Ioane still held firm. The 6-5, 320-pound left guard is a brick wall in pass protection, but where he really shines is in his forceful displacements in the run game. Ioane will have to figure out a way to handle quick-twitch defensive tackles who will test his fluidity, but he’s one of the more reliable prospects in this class.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami
Solid to the core, the former five-star recruit holds his ground against the pass and forces opposing linemen out of the way with his strong first contact. But while there’s not much mystery to the 6-6, 329-pounder’s play, there are several unknowns about his projection. A move inside could be in his future to safeguard against concerns that he’ll be beaten by rangy edge rushers, but the skill set is there to hang at right tackle.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Spencer Fano, OT, Utah
Smooth movements allow Fano to conjure answers for even the speediest edge rushers. He still could have trouble with rangier defenders, however, as well as ones who can convert speed to power and knock him off base. Like many offensive tackles in this class, he’ll face questions of whether he belongs at the position, with some question of whether he should head to center.
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NFL mock draft: Big-name prospect drops in latest first-round projection
Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
From his massive frame (6-7, 315 pounds) to his quickness, Freeling checks off some of the most notable boxes for a high-end left tackle. As a one-year starter, his technique is still a work in progress, with some bad habits sapping his efficacy. But he’s clearly on an upward trajectory, and teams might be eager to buy on an ascendant blocker.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
KC Concepcion, WR, Texas A&M
Few receivers are true separators at all three levels. Concepcion qualifies as just that, with more than enough quickness and speed to free himself from coverage at any point on the field. Drops have dogged him, but he could shake the issue in short order. Versatile and dynamic, Concepcion is more refined than he gets credit for, and he could become a vital part of an aerial attack with more polish.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
The ultimate seam threat, Sadiq accelerates in a manner not seen from 6-3, 241-pound pass catchers. Though he’s proven himself after the catch, much of his value remains somewhat theoretical, as his experience and workload in the downfield passing game haven’t aligned with his capabilities. But as an instant mismatch creator and aggressive run blocker, he can change the complexion of whatever offense he joins.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
Some will see a 6-4, 210-pound body and assume Boston relies on pulling down jump balls in close quarters. But while tilting those throws in his favor is his best feature, it’s far from his only one. Boston has impressive fluidity for a player with his physical make-up, and his tracking and midair adjustments make him an even more confounding coverage assignment.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, S, Toledo
Though he might not be an all-around coverage maven, McNeil-Warren is comfortable exerting his will from several different vantage points. He rallies to the ball in a hurry in run support, working his way through traffic to deliver big hits. And though his 6-4, 201-pound build limits his comfort zone in coverage, he can give both quarterbacks and receivers pause on attempting any throws over the middle.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State
Once seen as the clear-cut favorite to be the first receiver selected, Tyson now might be the most polarizing pass catcher in this class. Quick and crisp when he’s dialed in, he has a robust set of maneuvers to beat man coverage from various spots. But medical concerns from various ailments muddle his draft outlook, and he can be inefficient with his footwork.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Akheem Mesidor, DE, Miami
Having just turned 25 with an extensive injury history, Mesidor enters the draft with red flags that might tank other prospects’ stock. Teams that look past those issues, however, will see an advanced and unrelenting pass rusher with a deep bag of tricks to beat blockers. Mesidor might be one of the most divisive prospects in this class in his projection, but there’s not much to object to with the on-field product.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Colton Hood, CB, Tennessee
With McCoy sidelined, Hood did a commendable job of filling in as the Volunteers’ primary asset in coverage. The Colorado transfer kept the competitive juices flowing in shutting down tight-window throws as well as making his presence felt against the run. He can’t match McCoy in overall fluidity, but he still sizes up as a meaningful counter in man coverage for bigger receivers.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Other receivers are sure to be more vexing coverage matchups than the 6-0, 199-pound target. Cooper, however, has a truly distinct aptitude for slipping tacklers in the open field. His penchant for racking up yards after the catch should carry over to the NFL and endear him to his future quarterback, as should his aggressive approach to fighting through contact and operating in traffic.
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Ranking top 25 prospects for 2026 NFL Draft
Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah
In a class rife with right tackles and expected guard converts, Lomu stands out as a true blindside protector. Bulking up will be an essential step for the 6-6, 313-pounder to hold his own against more powerful edge rushers, but there’s considerable room for growth on top of the enticing glimpses of his potential he’s already displayed.
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Browns have revamped their offensive line, and they might not be done. Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders appear to be the two front runners vying for the QB1 job. On the outside, wide receiver is a glaring position of need. Jerry Jeudy was the Browns’ only wide receiver with more than 25 receptions last season.
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Biggest position of need: Inside linebacker
The Cowboys are extremely thin at inside linebacker, where DeMarvion Overshown is the team’s only viable starter. Dallas owns three picks in the top 100, including two in the first round. Look for the Cowboys to address the position early in the draft.
Biggest position of need: Tight end
A long-term answer at tight end is a need with Evan Engram entering the final year of his contract. Engram had the third most receptions on the Broncos in 2025. He’s always been a productive pass catcher but not much of a blocker.
Biggest position of need: Tackle
The Lions released veteran left tackle Taylor Decker in March, and there are rumblings that tackle Penei Sewell might move over to the left side after starring at the position at Oregon. Detroit needs a starter at tackle on the opposite side of wherever Sewell lines up. The Lions ranked 31st in the NFL in pass block win rate last year, per ESPN.
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Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Packers lost defensive starters, including edge Rashan Gary and LB Quay Walker. But cornerback is Green Bay’s most pressing need because the team doesn’t have a No. 1 cornerback on its roster. CB Benjamin St-Juste was brought aboard in free agency, but more work should be done at the position.
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
Solidifying the trenches must continue to be a priority for the Texans. Houston has guards Ed Ingram and Wyatt Teller along with Jake Andrews in the interior, but they need more depth at the position after they ranked in the bottom three in both pass block win rate and run block win rate, via ESPN. Additionally, the Texans could continue to bolster their defensive tackle position to complement their outstanding edge rush duo in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
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Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
Indianapolis lost Kwity Paye, who was the team’s second-best edge rusher, in free agency. Laiatu Latu is the only Colts’ edge rusher opposing teams have to gameplan for. Wide receiver is also a notable need after the club traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh.
Biggest position of need: Linebacker
Pro Bowl linebacker Devin Lloyd, who led the team with five interceptions, was USA TODAY Sports’ top free agent before signing a multi-year deal with Carolina. Lloyd and Foyesade Oluokun formed one of the top linebacking units in the NFL. The Jags could find Lloyd’s replacement in this year’s draft.
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Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Chiefs decided to trade their best cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Rams. Then subsequently lost their other starting cornerback Jaylen Watson to the Rams in free agency. Needless to say, cornerback is a massive need in Kansas City. Edge rusher is another position group the Chiefs need to upgrade.
Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Raiders’ No. 1 selection of Fernando Mendoza is pretty much signed, sealed and delivered. Mendoza is an accurate passer and throws with impressive precision. He also displayed leadership skills in college that will make the Raiders comfortable in their investment of him. Las Vegas signed Kirk Cousins to be a bridge quarterback and mentor to the Heisman Trophy winner. Cousins finished tied for the most turnovers in the NFL in 2024. But he’s familiar with Klint Kubiak from their three years together in Minnesota.
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The Chargers had the worst offensive line in football last year by multiple metrics. As a result, LA’s set to have three new starters along the interior of its O-line. New additions Tyler Biadasz and Cole Strange are penciled in at center and right guard, respectively. There’s a vacancy at left guard that could be filled in the draft.
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Los Angeles Rams
Biggest position of need: Tackle
Right tackle Rob Havenstein retired in February after 11 seasons. Warren McClendon Jr. appears poised to replace Havenstein at RT, but the Rams need more depth at both tackle spots. That being said, on paper, the Rams might be the most complete team in football entering the draft.
Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
The Dolphins went on a fire sale this offseason. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are both gone. New quarterback Malik Willis has Malik Washington as WR1 right now. Look for the Dolphins to target a wide receiver early in this year’s draft.
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Biggest position of need: Center
Kyler Murray’s addition fills Minnesota’s quarterback need. Murray is the clear front runner to start at QB. The player who will snap the football to the Vikings starting QB is undecided. Center Ryan Kelly announced his retirement this offseason.
More: Carson Wentz, Kyler Murray make next move for Vikings’ J.J. McCarthy obvious
Biggest position of need: Edge
The Patriots let K’Lavon Chaisson walk after he produced a team-best 74 pressures in 2025. New England added Dre’Mont Jones to play alongside of Harold Landry III, but Mike Vrabel’s defense needs more disruptive edge rushers. All New England edge rushers ranked outside the top 40 in Pro Football Focus’ 2025 positional rankings.
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Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Wide receiver Chris Olave is annually on the trading block and is entering the final year of his contract. With Olave’s long-term future in doubt, it’ll behoove the Saints to get a young pass catcher that they can develop with second-year QB Tyler Shough. The Saints haven’t had a 1,000-yard receiver other than Olave since Michael Thomas in 2019.
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Giants’ biggest position of need will change if the team acquiesces to defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence’s trade request. The Giants and Lawrence are at a contract impasse, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter. In the secondary, Greg Newsome II and Paulson Adebo are the team’s top two corners. Newsome allowed a 107.5 passer rating and Adebo gave up a 98.2 passer rating when targeted last season.
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Biggest position of need: Quarterback
The Jets brought back Geno Smith for a reunion in the Big Apple, but the 35-year-old Smith is bridge quarterback at this juncture of his career. Still, he’s an upgrade from what the Jets endured last year despite the fact that he led the league with 17 interceptions last season with the Raiders. The Jets could join a list of multiple teams who could wait on a QB until next year’s draft.
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Eagles lost Jaelan Phillips to the Panthers in free agency after he quickly became the team’s best edge rusher. Nolan Smith Jr., Jalyx Hunt and Arnold Ebiketie are currently Philly’s top edge players. The Eagles currently have eight picks in this year’s draft, including four in the top 100, and edge rusher is one of the draft’s deepest position groups.
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Biggest position of need: Quarterback
All signs indicate 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers will return to Pittsburgh for his 22nd NFL season. The Steelers haven’t had a long-term solution at QB since Ben Roethlisberger. However, Pittsburgh might not fill its quarterback need until next year’s draft. Mason Rudolph and Will Howard are in line to backup Rodgers again.
Biggest position of need: Interior offensive line
The 49ers need more depth and competition across their entire offensive line. San Francisco lost starting guard Spencer Burford in free agency, and standout left tackle Trent Williams will be 38 years old at the start of the season.
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Biggest position of need: Running back
The Seahawks wouldn’t be the reigning champions without Super Bowl 60 MVP Kenneth Walker. Walker compiled a postseason-high 313 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns during Seattle’s Super Bowl run. Walker is now in Kansas City and Zach Charbonnet is recovering from a torn ACL.
Biggest position of need: Edge rusher
The Bucs will look different this season without all-time leading receiver Mike Evans and recently-retired linebacker Lavonte David – two franchise cornerstones. The Bucs haven’t had a solid pair of edge rushers since Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, who last played together in Tampa in 2021. Yaya Diaby led the Bucs with seven sacks and 62 pressures in 2025.
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Biggest position of need: Wide receiver
Improving the talent around 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward is imperative for the quarterback’s development. Tennessee had the 30th ranked passing attack last year and leading receiver Elic Ayomanor had just 515 receiving yards in 2025. Tight end Chig Okonkwo, who had a team-high 56 receptions, left for Washington in free agency.
Biggest position of need: Cornerback
The Marshon Lattimore experiment didn’t work well in the nation’s capital. The Commanders ranked 28th in pass defense and opposing quarterbacks enjoyed a 104 passer rating against them last season. Washington has an opportunity to get a premium player with the seventh overall pick.
