The 2026 NFL Draft takes place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Here is what every team needs and how they are likely to approach the first round.
Fernando Mendoza is the pick. New coach Klint Kubiak inherits a roster that has lacked a franchise QB for years. After Mendoza, the Raiders need to build the supporting cast -- offensive line is a priority and holes in the secondary need filling for new DC Rob Leonard.
Two first-round picks and loaded with capital through 2027. Pass rush is the priority -- ranked 31st in sacks with 26 last season and the only team in NFL history to finish without an interception. One of the most likely teams to make a trade on draft night.
Released Kyler Murray and signed Gardner Minshew. Pass rush is most pressing -- tied for third-fewest sacks in the NFL. David Bailey or Arvell Reese would be a natural fit at #3.
Very little remaining from the 2020-2022 draft classes. Cam Ward is the starter and needs playmakers. Jeremiyah Love would be electric in Nashville and take pressure off the passing game.
New head coach John Harbaugh faces a dilemma with DT Dexter Lawrence requesting a trade. Jaxson Dart needs weapons -- Carnell Tate or Jeremiyah Love would be immediate upgrades.
Two first-round picks give GM Andrew Berry significant flexibility. Desperately need offensive weapons. Could package picks to trade up or take two starters.
Missing second- and fourth-round picks from the Tunsil trade. More needs than picks can address. Caleb Downs or Dillon Thieneman at safety would be a home run pick.
Akheem Mesidor from Miami is frequently connected to Carolina -- fits the aggressive edge rusher profile they covet. Kenyon Sadiq also mentioned as a TE fit.
A rebuilding franchise that needs weapons for their young quarterback. Offensive line and pass rush are both high priorities.
Joe Burrow publicly frustrated with the team's defensive struggles. The Bengals have not moved their first-round pick in any of the last five drafts. Expect the best defensive player available -- no trade.
The deepest team in the NFL. Average 5.8 trades per draft over 5 years -- expect activity. Need to replace retired RT Rob Havenstein and add a third receiver.
Allowed the most points (30.1 ppg) and near the worst yards per play (6.1) in the NFL. Two first-round picks to fix a historically bad defense. Jerry Jones has a history of aggressive draft-night moves.
Have not moved their first-round pick in any of the last five drafts. Expect them to stay put. Secondary depth and offensive line are priorities.
Doing significant research on the tight end class -- Kenyon Sadiq is a real possibility per NFL insiders. Would not pass on a BPA situation regardless of need.
Super Bowl contenders who don't want to drop far. Spencer Fano from Utah is frequently mentioned as a Dan Campbell fit -- hard-nosed blocking matches Lions culture.
Ryan Kelly's retirement leaves an unsolved center situation. Dillon Thieneman is the most popular Vikings pick at #18 across all major mock draft sites.
Safety and offensive line are the primary needs. GM James Gladstone is in position to take the best player available.
Picks in their home city. Genuine speculation they could take Ty Simpson as their QB of the future. Aaron Rodgers expected back but has no guaranteed money after 2026.
Major decisions loom on Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill -- both could be cap casualties. The Dolphins lead the NFL with four third-round picks in 2026.
Howie Roseman is the most active GM on draft night (5.6 trades per draft average). A.J. Brown trade speculation has been constant. Expect Philadelphia at the center of the night's action.
Haven't drafted a pass rusher R1 since Leonard Floyd in 2016. Hold picks 25, 57 and 60 -- a package of 25 and 60 could be enough to trade up to around #16.
Kenneth Walker III's departure leaves Seattle without a feature back. Could target a running back or trade back and accumulate picks.
Both Pacheco and Hunt entered free agency. Ranked bottom 3 in rush attempts of 10+ yards. One of the more active trading franchises.
Trent Williams turns 38 before the season. John Lynch holds four fourth-round picks to maneuver with.
Traded for DJ Moore to fix the WR room. Now need pass rush after Joey Bosa managed just 5 sacks.
Traded their first-round pick to Dallas for Micah Parsons. Focused on building depth in rounds 2-7.
No first-round pick. Building depth across the roster.
Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt injury history. The least likely team to trade -- averaged just 1.4 trades per draft over the last 5 years.
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