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2026 NFL Draft: Early Team Needs for All 32 Teams
- Brandon Lundberg
- 1 hour ago
- 12 min read
The 2025 NFL season is entering its final stretch, and as we move into the closing months and toward the playoffs, it’s time to take a full inventory of all 32 franchises. With projected 2026 free agents coming into focus and roster weaknesses becoming clearer each week, this early evaluation outlines every team’s biggest needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. This analysis highlights each club’s top positional priorities, a concise breakdown of why those needs exist, and the key pending free agents who will shape the offseason.
2026 NFL Draft: League-Wide Team Needs Summary
Across the league, edge rusher and cornerback stand out as the most common early 2026 NFL Draft needs, each appearing on 19 team lists (11.9%). These two premium positions continue to shape roster construction as defenses search for pass disruptors and coverage players capable of matching today’s spread-heavy passing attacks.
Wide receiver ranks just behind, with 18 teams (11.3%) identifying the need for more explosive perimeter talent or a reliable complement to their established WR1. The demand underscores the league-wide push for separation, vertical speed, and high-volume production.
Quarterback appears on six team lists, a smaller share overall, but one with outsized influence on draft strategy. Even limited QB demand typically dictates early first-round movement, and several franchises are poised to re-enter the market for long-term stability at the position.
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Arizona Cardinals
Top Needs: OT, WR, RB, QB, IOL
Summary: Arizona enters the offseason with major uncertainty on the right side of its offensive line. Both Jonah Williams and Will Hernandez are set to hit free agency, and Williams’ season-ending shoulder surgery only adds to the instability at right tackle. Jalen Thompson’s expiring contract creates another key void at safety. With no long-term answer behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and a backfield still lacking durable depth, the Cardinals’ early 2026 priorities revolve around bolstering protection for Kyler Murray and shoring up the defensive back end.
Atlanta Falcons
Top Needs: TE, DT, QB, WR, CB
Summary: Atlanta must strengthen the interior of its defensive line after ranking near the bottom of the league against the run, with major inconsistencies showing up on early downs. Kyle Pitts Sr. is entering the final year of his rookie deal without long-term clarity, elevating tight end to a premium need. Kirk Cousins’ future remains uncertain beyond this season, keeping quarterback firmly in play. With limited perimeter weapons behind Drake London and a secondary that could use another reliable boundary option, Atlanta’s roster still requires multiple upgrades.
Baltimore Ravens
Top Needs: Edge, TE, IOL, DL, CB
Summary: Baltimore faces significant turnover across the secondary and edge positions, with Alohi Gilman, Ar’Darius Washington, Kyle Van Noy, and David Ojabo all headed toward free agency. The interior offensive line has struggled, placing continued pressure on Lamar Jackson and limiting offensive consistency. Tyler Linderbaum is a priority extension, and losing him would create another major need at center. Cornerback depth and a more consistent perimeter receiver remain long-term roster concerns as the Ravens look to reinforce a veteran core.
Buffalo Bills
Top Needs: LB, Edge, CB, IOL, Safety
Summary: Buffalo enters the offseason with both Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa on expiring deals, creating immediate pressure to replenish the edge room. The ongoing search for a true X receiver continues, as the offense still lacks a reliable, high-end perimeter threat for Josh Allen. Interior OL stability is also at risk with both Connor McGovern and David Edwards approaching free agency. With secondary depth thinning and limited backfield explosiveness behind James Cook, the Bills’ roster demands multiple upgrades across premium positions.
Carolina Panthers
Top Needs: IOL, WR, TE, DT, Edge
Summary: Carolina faces a full evaluation of its interior offensive line with Cade Mays, Austin Corbett, and Brady Christensen all in contract years. Behind Tetairoa McMillan, the receiver room still lacks dependable production, with Xavier Legette falling short of first-round expectations. Rico Dowdle’s breakout season creates a contract challenge for a team already financially committed to Chuba Hubbard. Defensively, the Panthers need more consistency both inside and off the edge to complement their developing young core.
Chicago Bears
Top Needs: Safety, Edge, OT, DL, CB
Summary: Chicago could lose its entire safety group—Jaquan Brisker, Kevin Byard III, and Jonathan Owens—all entering free agency. The defensive interior is aging, with Grady Jarrett nearing 33, while Andrew Billings and Chris Williams are also on expiring contracts. Addressing long-term OT stability remains a priority, and the offense still lacks a proven boundary playmaker opposite Rome Odunze. Re-signing or replacing Byard will be one of the most important decisions of the Bears’ offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top Needs: IOL, Edge, OT, CB, WR
Summary: Cincinnati once again enters the offseason needing major help along the offensive line, ranking 29th in pass-block win rate and struggling to keep the pocket stable. On defense, the pass rush could undergo a complete reset with Trey Hendrickson, Joseph Ossai, and Cam Sample all entering free agency. Hendrickson’s injury and uncertain availability further complicate the decision to retain him. With the defense sitting at the bottom of the league and the offensive line still an issue, the Bengals face foundational decisions at premium positions.
Cleveland Browns
Top Needs: QB, OL, WR, DT, RB
Summary: Cleveland’s early 2026 priorities are centered on stabilizing the quarterback position and rebuilding an offensive line that could lose multiple starters. Dillon Gabriel’s struggles place added urgency on finding a long-term answer under center. Meanwhile, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, and Jack Conklin, all approaching free agency, leave the Browns at risk of a full-scale offensive line overhaul. With limited continuity and a young quarterback still developing, Cleveland enters the offseason at an inflection point.
Dallas Cowboys
Top Needs: Edge, Safety, CB, IOL, WR
Summary: Dallas faces major turnover on the edge with Dante Fowler Jr., Jadeveon Clowney, and Sam Williams all headed for free agency, leaving the pass rush thin and inconsistent. Safety has been an issue throughout the season, and Donovan Wilson’s expiring contract only increases the urgency to upgrade the back end. Offensively, George Pickens’ breakout performance complicates long-term planning as the Cowboys weigh another high-value contract alongside CeeDee Lamb’s. With questions across multiple defensive positions, the roster needs a recalibration entering 2026.
Denver Broncos
Top Needs: LB, TE, CB, OT, WR
Summary: Denver enters the offseason with linebacker as a clear priority, with both Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad approaching free agency and Singleton nearing age 33. Tight end also becomes a focus, as Evan Engram, Adam Trautman, and Nate Adkins all approach expiring contracts in 2026. With several other starters headed for unrestricted free agency and limited cap flexibility, the Broncos face a challenging balancing act as they attempt to maintain their defensive identity and support the continued development of their offense.
Detroit Lions
Top Needs: Edge, DT, CB, WR, LB
Summary: Detroit urgently needs reinforcements along the defensive front after ranking last in pass-rush win rate. Aidan Hutchinson continues to anchor the unit, but the lack of consistent pressure elsewhere has been a season-long issue. The interior defensive line is also set for turnover with DJ Reader, Roy Lopez, and Levi Onwuzurike all entering free agency. Adding both a disruptive interior presence and a long-term edge partner remains critical to elevating Detroit’s defense.
Green Bay Packers
Top Needs: LB, CB, WR, OT, IDL
Summary: Green Bay’s top priorities land at linebacker and cornerback after declining Quay Walker’s fifth-year option and seeing inconsistent play from Nate Hobbs in his first season with the team. The defense needs more stability at the second level and a reliable boundary corner to match Joe Barry’s system. With the offense growing around Jordan Love, the Packers still lack a complete perimeter threat group and must address depth concerns across multiple position groups.
Houston Texans
Top Needs: DT, IOL, OT, RB, CB
Summary: Houston faces significant interior defensive line turnover with Sheldon Rankins, Tim Settle Jr., and Folorunso Fatukasi approaching free agency. The offensive line remains a major concern after ranking 28th in pass-block win rate and last in run-block win rate, highlighting the need for improved protection and interior strength. Nick Chubb’s unclear long-term future adds another layer of uncertainty to the backfield. Overall, trench play on both sides of the ball will define the Texans’ 2026 draft approach.
Indianapolis Colts
Top Needs: Edge, RT, CB, WR, DT
Summary: Indianapolis enters the offseason needing reinforcements on the edge, ranking 29th in pass-rush win rate with Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Tyquan Lewis all nearing free agency. Right tackle also becomes a priority with Braden Smith set to hit the market at age 30. The Colts signaled confidence in their current quarterback plan after trading two first-round picks for Sauce Gardner, but the roster still requires upgrades in the trenches to support a playoff-caliber core.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Top Needs: CB, WR, RB, DT, Edge
Summary: Jacksonville faces major roster decisions at both cornerback and wide receiver, with Montaric Brown and Greg Newsome II entering free agency and nearly the entire WR room—outside Brian Thomas Jr.—set to expire. The team must also determine Travis Hunter’s long-term role as a two-way player. Travis Etienne Jr.’s fifth-year option adds further uncertainty to the backfield. With key perimeter roles in flux, the Jaguars’ offseason will revolve around restocking coverage talent and securing weapons for Trevor Lawrence.
Kansas City Chiefs
Top Needs: TE, RB, OT, WR, CB
Summary: Kansas City’s early needs center on tight end and running back as Travis Kelce approaches potential retirement and Noah Gray struggles to claim a larger role. The backfield remains unsettled with Isiah Pacheco battling durability issues and both Kareem Hunt and Elijah Mitchell on expiring deals. The defense could also lose starting corner Jaylen Watson as the team prioritizes a future extension for Trent McDuffie. For the first time in years, the Chiefs must address multiple offensive skill positions to stabilize long-term planning.
Las Vegas Raiders
Top Needs: QB, WR, CB, OT, DT
Summary: The Raiders enter the offseason with clear needs at quarterback and wide receiver as Geno Smith’s play declines at age 35 and the young receiving corps has yet to meet expectations. Rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. have shown flashes but not enough to stabilize the position long term. With no clear direction under center and limited proven production at receiver, Las Vegas is positioned to aggressively pursue offensive playmakers as they reshape the roster.
Los Angeles Chargers
Top Needs: IOL, IDL, CB, WR, LB
Summary: The Chargers must rebuild the interior of both lines, even with Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt returning from injury. The offensive line ranks near the bottom of the league in pass-block win rate, and multiple interior defenders — including Teair Tart and Da’Shawn Hand — are set to hit free agency. The long-term future of Khalil Mack also adds uncertainty to the front seven. Shoring up trench play on both sides of the ball will be essential as Los Angeles looks to support a healthy roster in 2026.
Los Angeles Rams
Top Needs: OT, Safety, CB, Edge, WR
Summary: Safety and offensive tackle stand out as the Rams’ early priorities, with Kam Curl and Quentin Lake both approaching free agency and long-time right tackle Rob Havenstein entering the end of his career. Depth concerns persist across the secondary and tackle positions, and Los Angeles may need multiple additions to stabilize both units. With significant cap space available in 2026, this offseason offers a rare opportunity for the Rams to reinforce foundational roster spots.
Miami Dolphins
Top Needs: CB, G, OT, WR, DT
Summary: Miami’s pass defense has struggled all season, ranking 29th in DVOA, and both starting corners — Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas — are entering the final year of their deals. Right guard remains a major issue as Cole Strange continues to grade near the bottom of the league in both run- and pass-block win rate. With multiple expiring contracts in the secondary and ongoing inconsistency up front, the Dolphins may undergo substantial restructuring on the defensive perimeter and interior offensive line.
Minnesota Vikings
Top Needs: Safety, Slot WR, CB, IOL, RB
Summary: Safety and slot receiver headline Minnesota’s early needs as Harrison Smith approaches potential retirement and both Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen enter free agency. The Vikings lack a clear long-term slot option to complement Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Questions remain across the secondary and interior offensive line as Minnesota prepares for an offseason that may usher in significant transition on both sides of the ball.
New England Patriots
Top Needs: Edge, Safety, CB, WR, OT
Summary: New England needs reinforcements on the edge and at safety after ranking 23rd in pass-rush win rate and leaning heavily on K’Lavon Chaisson, who is playing on a one-year deal. Depth at safety is also in question, especially for the three-safety packages the Patriots frequently deploy. With major contract extensions looming for cornerstone players in the coming seasons, the Patriots must balance short-term defensive needs with long-term cap planning.
New Orleans Saints
Top Needs: Edge, WR, CB, DT, OT
Summary: New Orleans needs immediate help off the edge after ranking 27th in pass-rush win rate and with Cameron Jordan nearing retirement. Offensively, Chris Olave lacks a true running mate for 2026 after the departures of Rashid Shaheed and Brandin Cooks, and the team can’t rely solely on Devaughn Vele’s development. With recent trends showing the Saints’ reluctance to invest heavily in defensive backs, cornerback depth and long-term roster stability remain ongoing concerns as the secondary undergoes another transition.
New York Giants
Top Needs: LB, G, OT, WR, CB
Summary: Linebacker and guard stand out as early needs for the Giants as both Micah McFadden and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles enter free agency, leaving the middle of the defense thin. Greg Van Roten’s expiring contract at age 36 adds urgency to rebuild the interior offensive line. While Wan’Dale Robinson has emerged as a productive slot option, his long-term valuation becomes more complicated with Malik Nabers’ eventual extension approaching. New York faces another offseason of reshaping foundational pieces on both sides of the ball.
New York Jets
Top Needs: QB, IOL, RB, WR, LB
Summary: Quarterback and interior offensive line headline the Jets’ offseason priorities as Justin Fields’ struggles continue and Tyrod Taylor approaches free agency at age 37. The interior OL remains one of the league’s weakest units, ranking 30th in pass-block win rate with John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker both on expiring deals. Breece Hall’s upcoming contract negotiations will further shape roster flexibility. With instability at QB and inconsistent trench play, the Jets enter 2026 needing major upgrades across the offense.
Philadelphia Eagles
Top Needs: TE, CB, WR, Edge, LB
Summary: Tight end and cornerback headline Philadelphia’s early needs as Dallas Goedert approaches the final year of his contract and the Eagles continue searching for stability at the No. 2 outside corner spot. Depth at tight end will thin quickly with Grant Calcaterra and Kylen Granson entering free agency. With Jaelan Phillips emerging as a key defensive addition and major extensions looming elsewhere, the Eagles must balance long-term cap planning with immediate roster upgrades.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top Needs: QB, WR, CB, OT, IOL
Summary: Quarterback and wide receiver shape the Steelers’ early priorities as Aaron Rodgers approaches a possible retirement and the team evaluates its long-term successor plans. The lack of consistent production behind DK Metcalf remains a concern, with Calvin Austin III headed for free agency. Injuries and uncertainty under center have slowed Pittsburgh’s offensive growth, making stability at QB and perimeter playmaking central to their 2026 outlook.
San Francisco 49ers
Top Needs: WR, DT, CB, RB, LB
Summary: Wide receiver and defensive tackle are major needs for San Francisco as Brandon Aiyuk’s durability questions persist and both Kendrick Bourne and Jauan Jennings near free agency. The interior defensive front is also set for turnover with multiple rotational linemen on expiring deals and the run defense ranking outside the top 20. With key playmakers in flux, the 49ers must reinforce depth at premium positions to sustain their competitive window.
Seattle Seahawks
Top Needs: Edge, DB, C, LB, WR
Summary: Seattle faces a complete reset across the secondary, with nearly every defensive back outside Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori entering free agency. The need for a stabilizing presence at cornerback is clear. Center remains another long-standing issue, as Jalen Sundell has struggled in both pass- and run-block win rate. With several young starters potentially not in the long-term plan, the Seahawks enter 2026 needing foundational upgrades in coverage and interior blocking.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Top Needs: Edge, CB, WR, TE, DL
Summary: Cornerback and edge rusher stand out as Tampa Bay’s early needs, with Jamel Dean approaching free agency at age 30 and the team relying on a one-year deal from Haason Reddick. Mike Evans’ uncertain future following a major injury adds pressure to maintain offensive continuity. Tampa Bay must prepare for significant roster turnover while continuing to build around a veteran core that remains competitive.
Tennessee Titans
Top Needs: WR, OT, CB, LB, Edge
Summary: Tennessee’s early 2026 priorities center on wide receiver and cornerback as the roster continues its rebuild. While Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike offer promise, the Titans still lack a true WR1-caliber playmaker—especially with Calvin Ridley grading near the bottom of ESPN’s receiver metrics. Cornerback is also an urgent need, even before factoring in the expiring contracts of Jalyn Armour-Davis and Darrell Baker Jr. With limited star power on the perimeter and a young quarterback developing, Tennessee must inject high-end talent on both sides of the ball.
Washington Commanders
Top Needs: Edge, LB, WR, CB, DT
Summary: Linebacker and edge rusher headline Washington’s early needs, with Bobby Wagner approaching age 36 and several rotational pass rushers—including Von Miller and Deatrich Wise Jr.—set to hit free agency in 2026. Depth at both positions is thin, and the defense lacks long-term foundational pieces at the second level. Offensively, Deebo Samuel has been the team’s most reliable weapon amid widespread injuries, but his contract situation adds another layer of uncertainty. Washington enters the offseason needing an infusion of defensive speed and edge production to stabilize a roster undergoing transition.