Top Draft Needs of Every NFL Team in 2026 for Week 5

We're on to Week 5 of the NFL season, and every team already has holes and needs. Some are short-term and can or may be addressed this year. Others will have to wait until the offseason, when the bulk of the teams' needs will be filled via April's draft.

Every week of the season, we'll break down each team's biggest needs and highlight potential 2026 draft prospects that could fill them.

The eventual end product will be a full 2026 draft big board for every team heading into the offseason.

All grades and rankings courtesy of the B/R NFL Draft Scouting Department.

Arizona Cardinals

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LSU CB Mansoor Delane

Top Draft Needs

1. 2nd Wide Receiver
2. Right Tackle
3. Cornerback

Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Jermod McCoy, Tennessee (No. 7)
2. Mansoor Delane, LSU (unranked)
3. Avieon Terrell, Clemson (unranked)

Cornerback is a new addition to the Cardinals' draft needs, primarily because Max Melton has struggled through the first month of the season. Granted, the organization just drafted Will Johnson and Denzel Burke last spring. 

However, Johnson had injury concerns coming out of Michigan and has already been sidelined for two out of four games with a groin issue. Also, a fifth-round pick shouldn't prevent Monti Ossenfort from at least exploring this year's draft class at the position. 

While he's on injured reserve right now, Arizona has gotten good nickel play out of Garrett Williams, and his ailment doesn't appear to be too serious. So, the club should be looking for a starter on the outside.

All three corners below can cover the boundary, especially Delane, who has arguably been the best corner in College Football so far this season. 

"Delane is one of the most complete corners in the 2026 class, and he's finally in a defense where he can thrive," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms said. "The 6'0", 190-pound defensive back has been a true shutdown corner for the LSU Tigers and is putting his top-tier skills on display in the national spotlight."

Atlanta Falcons

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Boston College OT Jude Bowry

Draft Needs

1. Linebacker
2. 2nd Wide Receiver
3. Tight End

Top RT Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Jude Bowry, Boston College (unranked)
2. Caleb Tiernan, Northwestern (unranked)
3. Trevor Goosby, Texas (unranked)

Kaleb McGary is out for the season with a leg injury, and Elijah Wilkins has struggled to fill in at right tackle. While McGary is under contract through 2027, his deal has an out after next season, according to Over The Cap, and he's about to turn 31 in February. Also, Wilkins is an impending free agent. 

So, while right tackle isn't a top-three need for the Falcons, it should be on Terry Fontenot's mind to address in the draft. At the very least, the offense could use some depth at the position.

The three prospects above have third- or fourth-round grades from B/R's scouting department, making them decent options for Atlanta since the club shouldn't have to use a top pick to get them. Also, while all currently play left tackle, they have at least some experience holding down the right edge. 

Baltimore Ravens

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Alabama CB Domani Jackson

Draft Needs

1.  Interior Offensive Line
2.  Edge-Rusher
3.  Wide Receiver

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Mansoor Delane, LSU (unranked)
•  Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 27)
•  Domani Jackson, Alabama (unranked)

The Ravens depth is being tested amid a surprisingly bad start. They have dealt with major injuries all over the defense and it's kept them from reaching their potential early in the season. The cornerback room is one of the few that has been relatively healthy and they could still use more options as they currently have to rely on Chidobe Awuzie.

The Ravens typically look for gritty corners who are capable of playing press-man coverage. Mansoor Delane has established himself as the top guy to do that while Jermod McCoy works his way back from a knee injury. Malik Muhammad has drawn a comparison to Nate Wiggins from B/R scout Daniel Harms while Domani Jackson was seen as a long, lean and explosive cornerback prospect in last year's draft cycle.

Buffalo Bills

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Auburn Edge Keldric Faulk

Draft Needs

1.  Interior Offensive Line
2.  Linebacker
3.  Safety

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  T.J. Parker, Clemson (No. 9)
•  Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (No. 11)
•  Keldric Faulk, Auburn (unranked)

Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa are both slated to be free agents in 2026. Bosa has been playing well, but he also has some major injuries and is on the wrong side of 30. The Bills have bought themselves some time to build the pass-rusher room, but it could require more draft investment than the Landon Jackson pick this season.

Rueben Bain Jr. has produced more than T.J. Parker at this stage of the college football season, but the Bills are likely to favor his power and build. Bain might be the best pure pass-rusher in the class, but Parker follows the Bills archetype at the position. The same could be said for Keldric Faulk who gets included here because of his exceptional length and power.

Carolina Panthers

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Texas Tech Edge David Bailey

Draft Needs

1. Center
2. Safety
3. Linebacker

Top Edge Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (No. 23)
2. David Bailey, Texas Tech (unranked)
3. R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (unranked)

Edge rusher hasn't been discussed with the Panthers yet and isn't listed as a top-three need because they used a second-round pick on Nic Scourton and a third-rounder on Princely Umanmielen. However, it's time to at least have a conversation since the defense ranks dead last in sacks with just two through four games.

This year's edge class is filled with more big-bodied base defensive ends rather than the smaller, more athletic standup outside linebackers that would be good fits in Ejiro Evero's defense. But the three prospects above are quality, quick-twitched pass-rushers who can help solve Carolina's pass-rush problem.

Chicago Bears

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Utah OT Caleb Lomu

Draft Needs:

1. Left Tackle
2. Safety
3. Edge-Rusher

Top LT Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Caleb Lomu, Utah (No. 22)
2. Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (No. 4)
3. Kage Casey, Boise State (unranked)

Heading into this season, Braxton Jones had been a solid left tackle for the Bears, which kept the position out of the team's draft needs to begin the year. 

However, Jones has struggled in Ben Johnson's offense, and the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs reported on Tuesday that the fourth-year pro is expected to get benched when the team returns from the bye week. That pushes the blind side to the top of the list in the Windy City.

Proctor and Casey could be good fits for the Bears since both can contribute in the running game. But they also have question marks in pass protection, which might push Lomu up the organization's big board since he has the most well-rounded game of the bunch.

"Lomu is an outrageously smooth mover given his age and inexperience as a redshirt sophomore, while showing advanced skills in pass protection that signal future starting potential on the blind side upon entering the NFL," offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said.

Cincinnati Bengals

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South Carolina DB Jalon Kilgore

Draft Needs

1.  Cornerback
2.  Edge-Rusher
3.  Interior Offensive Line

Top S Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Caleb Downs, Ohio State (No. 1)
•  Dillon Thieneman, Oregon (No. 12)
•  Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina (No. 14)

Let's be honest, any new talent will be welcomed on defense the way they have played so far this season. The Bengals defense 27th in EPA per play this season and hiring Al Golden as defensive coordinator hasn't been the fix the Bengals were hoping for. The safety room, outside of Jordan Battle, hasn't made many plays. He's the only safety to have an inerception or a pass defended through four games.

That would certainly change with Caleb Downs in the picture. He's the top-rated prospect on our big board even if he isn't likely to go first overall as a safety. He's the kind of talent that would instantly change the tone of an entire secondary. Dillon Thieneman would be the top safety in most average classes if it weren't for a top talent like Downs. Jalon Kilgore is rated on our big board as a cornerback, but he's a versatile defensive back who might be best utilized as a safety who plays in the slot.

Cleveland Browns

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Utah OT Spencer Fano

Draft Needs

1.  Quarterback
2.  Wide Receiver
3.  Cornerback

Top OT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

• Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (No. 3)
• Spencer Fano, Utah (No. 25)
• Xavier Chaplin, Auburn (unranked)

The Browns have been able to rely on solid offensive line play for a while, but injuries and aging have tested that recently. Jack Conklin is dealing with injuries, Dawand Jones is out for the year and the guard duo of Joel Bitonio (33) and Wyatt Teller (31) aren't getting any younger. That could lead the Browns to take a real look at getting ahead of replacing Jack Conklin at right tackle.

Kadyn Proctor is an obvious fit. He's an even more athletic version of what Dawand Jones was coming out of Ohio State. Proctor is an elite athlete with the ability to erase defenders in the run game. If Stefanski is looking to lean more heavily into his wide zone roots then targeting a thinner, quicker offensive tackle like Spencer Fano would make a lot of sense. Xavier Chaplin (6'7", 348 pounds) is built similar to Proctor, but isn't quite in the same athletic category.

Dallas Cowboys

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Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr.

Draft Needs:

1. No. 2 Wide Receiver
2. Cornerback
3. Edge-rusher

Top Edge Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (No. 11)
2. T.J. Parker, Clemson (No. 9)
3. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (No. 23)

Even after the Micah Parsons trade, edge rusher hasn't been discussed yet as a draft need for the Cowboys. That was because the organization has spent high draft picks on Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku in recent years. 

However, Dallas has been getting minimal production from the position and may need to prioritize finding Parsons' replacement, especially if the club has a high pick. Also, it doesn't help that Dante Fowler Jr. and Sam Williams are impending free agents.

Bain is trending toward being a top-five pick with his ability to impact both phases of the game and win with both power and athleticism as a pass-rusher. Parker is sliding in the opposite direction, but still has first-round potential with his brute strength at the point of attack and skills as a power rusher.

Meanwhile, Howell is different than the other two prospects listed here. He's more of a finesse rusher who has a handful of moves he can win with. However, don't let the 245-pound edge defender's size fool you; he's not afraid to take the fight to offensive linemen and can pack a powerful punch for being so light.

Denver Broncos

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Alabama DL LT Overton

Draft Needs

1.  Wide Receiver
2.  Tight End
3.  Offensive Tackle

Top Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Peter Woods, Clemson (No. 2)
•  LT Overton, Alabama (No. 17)
•  Caleb Banks, Florida (unranked)

The defensive line is a strength for the Broncos, but that's because they have been proactive in building it. With John Franklin-Myers set to hit free agency, the Broncos could be looking to add another elite young talent up front.

Peter Woods is a no-brainer at the top of everyone's board. He's the most well-rounded defensive tackle prospect and the Broncos coaching staff could be trusted to get the most out of him. However, LT Overton is also a nice fit. He won't be for everyone. He's a bit of a 'tweener, but so is Franklin-Myers.

They'd also be a good bet to figure out how to best use 6'6" defensive tackle Caleb Banks.

Detroit Lions

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Georgia DT Christen Miller

Draft Needs

1. 2nd Edge Rusher
2. Center
3. Cornerback

Top DT Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Christen Miller, Georgia (unranked)
2. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (unranked)
3. Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (unranked)

With Alim McNeill under contract through 2028 and after spending a first-round pick on Tyleik Williams last spring, defensive tackle certainly won't be a pressing need for the Lions, which is why it isn't listed above. 

However, D.J. Reader and Levi Onwuzurike are impending free agents, so the defense could use some depth at the position. Adding to that, McNeill has suffered significant knee injuries in back-to-back seasons, heightening the importance for Detroit to stockpile interior defenders.

The three prospects above have third- or fourth-round grades from B/R's scouting department, making them good options for Brad Holmes. Also, all have experience playing nose tackle and can plug up the A-gaps to help replace what Reader brings to the defense.

Green Bay Packers

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Miami OL Francis Mauigoa

Draft Needs

1. Defensive Tackle
2. Outside Cornerback
3. Left Tackle

Top G Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 15)
2. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (unranked)
3. Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (unranked)

While guard isn't listed as a top-three need for the Packers, it's a close fourth and might end up cracking the list above by season's end. Sean Rhyan has been having a tough year and is a restricted free agent in the offseason. Also, the early returns on free-agent signing Aaron Banks are low. 

So, Brian Gutekunst should look into some interior offensive line options.

Rutledge and Pregnon are two of the best true guards on B/R's big board right now to be quality third- or fourth-round options for the Packers. But Gutekunst has a history of drafting college tackles and moving them inside, as Rhyan and Jordan Morgan are good examples. 

So, the general manager could go down a similar route with the Miami product, who offensive line scout Brandon Thorn feels will be a better guard in the pros. "Mauigoa is a wide-bodied, densely-built, stout presence with very good play strength and square power," Thorn said. 

"He has good body control and fluidity for his size but shows adequate range in pass protection that signals a classic quality collegiate tackle-to-guard convert in the mold of recent draft picks Jonah Savaiinaea and Steve Avila."

Houston Texans

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Alabama OT Kadyn Proctor

Draft Needs

1.  Interior Offensive Line
2.  Defensive Line
3.  Offensive Tackle

Top OT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (No. 3)
•  Xavier Chaplin, Auburn (unranked)
•  Kage Casey, Boise State (unranked)

The Texans officially gave a vote of confidence to Aireontae Ersery moving forward when they traded Cam Robinson to the Cleveland Browns earlier this week. The massive Minnesota tackle also gives a glimpse into what the Texans regime values in tackles. They want a perimeter blocker with the play strength and physicality to displace defenders in a wide variety of run schemes and the size to force pass-rushers around a wide edge.

Kadyn Proctor is the premium prospect within that archetype. Utah's Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu might wind up with higher grades, but each has play strength questions that makes them a better fit elsewhere. Xavier Chaplin (6'7", 348 pounds) is another name to keep an eye on. Boise State's Kage Casey doesn't have the same frame at 6'5", 311 pounds, but his play strength is his calling card.

Indianapolis Colts

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Florida DL Caleb Banks

Draft Needs

1.  Linebacker
2.  Offensive Tackle
3.  Defensive Line

Top DL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

• Peter Woods, Clemson (No. 2)
• Caleb Banks, Florida (unranked)
• Christen Miller, Georgia (unranked)

The Colts are getting a lot out of Laiatu Latu right now. He enters Week 5 as the second-highest-graded Edge-rusher in the league by PFF. However, the interior duo of Grover Stewart and DeForest Buckner are old enough that the Colts will need to plan ahead for their departures.

That would make someone like Peter Woods a slam dunk pick if they can get him in the first round. Clemson has had a rough start to the season, but Woods remains the top interior defender in the draft. The Colts could really use an explosive 3-tech and Woods is the best of the bunch. Christen Miller has some of those traits, but is much more unproven than Woods.

Caleb Banks could be another name to watch for the Colts. Like Buckner, he is a tall defensive lineman (6'6", 330 pounds). He plays with much more explosiveness than his frame would suggest, though.

Jacksonville Jaguars

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Alabama IOL Jaeden Roberts

Draft Needs

1.  Safety
2.  Cornerback
3.  Defensive Line

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 15)
•  Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (unranked)
•  Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (unranked)

The Jaguars spent a decent amount of money on Patrick Mekari, but he's probably best used as a utility offensive lineman like he was for many years in Baltimore. Drafting a younger guard who could wind up being an upgrade wouldn't be a bad idea as Liam Coen looks to build the best offense he can around Trevor Lawrence.

Francis Mauigoa is the elite option for most teams looking for a guard. He could wind up playing tackle, but his build and shortcomings in pass protection range could make him a strong candidate to move inside. From there, the Jaguars should be looking for the best lateral movers who could thrive in Coen's zone schemes while working to keep Lawrence upright. Pregnon and Roberts both fill in as that archetype while someone like Keylan Rutledge leans a little closer to classic mauler.

Kansas City Chiefs

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Oregon TE Kenyon Sadiq

Draft Needs

1.  Defensive Line
2.  Safety
3.  Wide Receiver

Top TE Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon (No. 30)
•  Jack Endries, Texas (No. 21)
•  Max Klare, Ohio State (unranked)

Travis Kelce has been a steady contributor to the Chiefs' offense thus far. But there's no escaping the speculation that this could be his last season at 35 years old. When that day comes, the Chiefs might want to have a more dynamic receiving option than Noah Gray and Jared Wiley.

Kenyon Sadiq is already proving to be a versatile weapon in the Oregon Ducks offense. He has over 200 yards receiving and three touchdowns for his undefeated team. Jack Endries isn't quite as dynamic as Sadiq, but Andy Reid should love his ability to attack the seam vertically. Max Klare is a harder projection because he doesn't get a ton of opportunities in Ohio State's offense, but Reid would change that.

Las Vegas Raiders

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Texas A&M Edge Cashius Howell

Draft Needs

1.  Cornerback
2.  Linebacker
3.  Edge-Rusher

Top Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (No. 11)
•  T.J. Parker, Clemson (No. 9)
•  Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (No. 23)

There's still time for Malcolm Koonce to return to the form he showed in late 2023. Unfortunately, that hasn't been the case early in his first season back from a major knee injury. That could leave the Raiders looking to once again find an edge-rusher to pair with Maxx Crosby up front.

Above all, Pete Caroll teams have historically looked for hyper-athletic edge-rushers who can get after the quarterback. Finding an all-around pass-rusher who can also set the edge against the run like Rueben Bain Jr. or T.J. Parker would be ideal, but a pure speed rusher like Cashius Howell would also be a logical fit. The Raiders are a team who could favor Howell over more traditional power-rushers like Keldric Faulk or Matayo Uiagalelei.

Los Angeles Chargers

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Iowa center Logan Jones

Draft Needs

1.  Cornerback
2.  Interior Defensive Line
3.  Edge-Rusher

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Connor Lew, Auburn (unranked)
•  Logan Jones, Iowa (unranked)
•  Jake Slaughter, Florida (unranked)

It's no secret that Jim Harbaugh wants to have an elite offensive line. Right now, injuries are the biggest thing preventing that from happening. Losing Rashawn Slater for the season was a gut punch. Now Joe Alt is out with a high ankle sprain. The center position, however, is one that might need to be addressed in the spring.

Zion Johnson wasn't able to transition to the pivot so Bradley Bozeman is once again in the middle. That's something that could be upgraded through the draft and Connor Lew is the highest-rated center on our board. Logan Jones and Jake Slaughter are also potential fits with the anchor and run-blocking chops that a Harbaugh-led team will be looking for.

Los Angeles Rams

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Penn State S Zakee Wheatley

Draft Needs

1. Quarterback
2. Offensive Tackle
3. Cornerback

Top S Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State (unranked)
2. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo (unranked)
3. Tao Johnson, Utah (unranked)

Safety may not be a pressing need for Los Angeles, hence why it's not listed above, but Kamren Curl is an impending free agent. So, while the club likely won't use one of its two first-round picks on the position this spring, replacing the six-year pro in round two or later should be on the table. 

All three prospects above currently have day two grades from B/R's scouting department and the versatility to play deep or in the box, similar to Curl's role on the defense. Of the trio, Wheatley is the most important name for Rams fans to jot down. 

"Penn State's Zakee Wheatley isn't a household name, but he should be," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms said. "He's a big body (6'2", 200 lbs) in the back end with real range and instincts once the football is in the air. 

"He also has a knack for anticipating route concepts while reading the quarterback. A willing run defender to boot, he'd be a welcome addition to [the Rams'] secondary."

Miami Dolphins

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Auburn WR Eric Singleton Jr.

Draft Needs

1. Cornerback
2. Wide Receiver
3. Offensive Tackle

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State (No. 5)
•  Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee (unranked)
•  Eric Singleton Jr., Auburn (unranked)

Tyreek Hill's future in Miami was murky to begin with. Now the 31-year-old's season is done after suffering a dislocated knee that resulted in multiple torn ligaments, including his ACL. The reality is that the Dolphins could be looking at ways to offload his contract, especially considering his $51.9 million cap hit next season.

The injury and increased uncertainty has pushed wide receiver into our top three needs for Miami. If they continue on this trajectory, then Jordyn Tyson, the No. 1 receiver in the class, becomes a real possibility. Tyson wins all over the field and would challenge Jaylen Waddle as the team's best receiver.

Chris Brazzell II has the kind of deep speed that Mike McDaniel loves. He's not as well-rounded as Tyson, but he has the Miami speed and is among the best deep threats in the class. Eric Singleton is a classic Dolphins burner.

Minnesota Vikings

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USC WR Makai Lemon

Draft Needs

1. Cornerback
2. Defensive Line
3. Linebacker

Top WR Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Makai Lemon, USC (unranked)
2. Hank Beatty, Illinois (unranked)
3. Germie Bernard, Alabama (unranked)

As long as Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are in the fold, wide receiver won't be a top-three need for the Vikings, which is why the position isn't listed above. However, Jalen Nailer and Adam Thielen are impending free agents, so the offense will be looking for someone to operate out of the slot.

Lemon is currently B/R's scouting department's top inside receiver and for good reason. He's coming off an elite performance against Illinois last Saturday, and heads into this weekend as the Big Ten leader in receptions (35) and leads the country with 589 receiving yards. 

Meanwhile, Bernard and Beatty currently own late-second- and fourth-round grades, respectively, to be day two or three options for Minnesota.

The Alabama product is the superior player of the two, but is more of an outside receiver who occasionally lines up in the slot, while the Illinois product is almost exclusively on the inside

New England Patriots

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Utah OT Caleb Lomu

Draft Needs

1.  Edge-Rusher
2.  Wide Receiver
3.  Cornerback

Top OT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Spencer Fano, Utah (No. 25)
•  Caleb Lomu, Utah (No. 22)
•  Kadyn Proctor, Alabama (No. 3)

The Patriots seem to have found their left tackle of the future in Will Campbell. They were willing to bet on his talent on the outside despite subpar length for the position. Next up is addressing the right tackle position. Morgan Moses is there now, but that's a one-year solution.

Kadyn Proctor is the toolsy big swing. He could wind up being an elite tackle, but there's a chance the 6'7", 366-pound blocker takes a while to get acclimated to the NFL. The Utah tandem of Spencer Fano and Caleb Lomu could have a more smooth transition to the league. Both are excellent movers with fluid pass protection and versatility. They might line up with a team that doesn't care as much about the measurables.

New Orleans Saints

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Oregon Edge Matayo Uiagalelei

Draft Needs

1. Wide Receiver
2. Guard
3. Cornerback

Top Edge Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (No. 11)
2. Cashius Howell, Texas A&M (No. 23)
3. Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon (unranked)

Edge hasn't been discussed yet for the Saints and isn't a top-three need since Carl Granderson and Chase Young are both signed through 2027.

However, Young has yet to play this season as he nurses a calf injury, and injuries have been an issue for him in the past. Also, Cameron Jordan and Chris Rumph II are impending free agents.

If New Orleans has a high pick in the draft and wants to give either Spencer Rattler or Tyler Shough one more year, or the front office isn't thrilled with this year's quarterback class, Bain would be pretty hard to pass up. 

The Hurricane's combination of size, strength and athleticism has made him a standout this year and the early favorite to be the top prospect at the position in the 2026 draft class.

Meanwhile, Howell and Uiagalelei would make more sense at the end of the first round or the beginning of round two, and both would be good fits in Brandon Staley's defense since they have experience as a standup outside linebacker.

New York Giants

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Tennessee WR Chris Brazzell

Draft Needs:

1. Right Tackle
2. Cornerback
3. Wide Reciever

Top WR Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Chris Brazzell, Tennessee (unranked)
2. Makai Lemon, USC (unranked)
3. Hank Beatty, Illinois (unranked)

Malik Nabers recently suffered a torn ACL that will sideline him for the rest of the season, weakening and adding questions to the Giants' receiving corps. 

Even if Nabers makes a full recovery and is back to form by next September, Wan'Dale Robinson is an impending free agent and Darius Slayton's contract has an out after next season, according to Over The Cap. So, wide receiver might not be a huge need in New York, but addressing the position should be on the table.

All three prospects above have second-round or later grades from B/R's scouting department, making them options for the G-Men.

Brazzell is a 6'5" and 200-pound deep threat who can take some of the pressure off Nabers and be a replacement option for Slayton on the outside. Meanwhile, Lemon and Beatty operate the best out of the slot, especially the former. 

The Trojan is coming off an elite performance against Illinois last Saturday, and heads into this weekend as the Big Ten leader in receptions (35) and leads the country with 589 receiving yards.

New York Jets

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Miami Edge Rueben Bain Jr.

Draft Needs

1.  Quarterback
2.  Wide Receiver
3.  Defensive Line

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (No. 11)
•  Keldric Faulk, Auburn (unranked)
•  LT Overton, Alabama (No. 17)

Aaron Glenn is just getting started with putting his stamp on the New York Jets roster. The 2025 campaign is off to a disastrous start, but the 2026 draft stands out as a beacon of hope that Glenn can build the kind of defense he wants. Finding another edge-rusher to go with Jermaine Johnson II and Will McDonald IV would go a long way toward making his new defense look closer to the one he coached in Detroit.

McDonald IV provides plenty of pass-rush juice. But pairing him with a bigger edge-rusher who can reduce down to the interior at times would give Glenn much more depth and flexibility to work with. Rueben Bain is the top edge-rusher with that potential at 275 pounds. Keldric Faulk also fits the bill as a 6'6", 270-pound power rusher.

LT Overton is considered an interior defender by B/R scout Matt Holder, but he has the kind of versatility that Glenn could be interested in as a 6'5", 278-pound defensive lineman.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Iowa State DT Domonique Orange

Draft Needs:

1. Tight End
2. Cornerback
3. Edge

Top DL Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Domonique Orange, Iowa State (unranked)
2. Zane Durant, Penn State (unranked)
3. Christien Miller, Georgia (unranked)

Don't get it twisted, the Eagles currently have a good unit of interior defensive linemen with Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis and Moro Ojomo. However, the position group currently lacks depth, and all three are only under contract through 2026. Granted, the organization will likely pick up Carter's fifth-year option.

Given how Howie Roseman likes to stay a year ahead of the roster's needs, it wouldn't be surprising to see him use a mid-round pick on a replacement option for Davis and/or Ojomo.

All three prospects above have second-round or later grades from B/R's scouting department, making them options for Philadelphia's general manager.

Orange could be a good replacement option for Davis at nose tackle, since "Big Citrus" is known for his abilities to be a gap-filler against the run and occasionally collapse the pocket.

The same goes for Miller, and it's been well-documented how much Roseman likes to draft defensive players from Georgia (i.e., Carter and Davis). 

Durant could step in for Ojomo, since they're similar in size: 6'1" and 294 pounds for the former and 6'3" and 292 pounds for the latter. Also, the Penn State product is a stout run defender who has some decent lateral movement skills to get penetration on stunts.

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Texas Tech DL Lee Hunter

Draft Needs

1.  Quarterback
2.  Wide Receiver
3.  Cornerback

Top DL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Caleb Banks, Florida (unranked)
•  Christen Miller, Georgia (unranked)
•  Lee Hunter, Texas Tech (unranked)

The Steelers used a first-round pick on Derrick Harmon and the early returns on him have been good. So it's not likely that Pittsburgh will return to that well in the first round of the draft this season, but Cam Heyward is getting closer to retirement so it should still be a need on the Steelers radar.

Pittsburgh has traditionally valued a physical and explosive interior trio with the ability to stuff the run and push the pocket. Caleb Banks has rare size and length at 6'6", 329 pounds. His ability to create separation and play two gaps make him a fun projection to Pittsburgh.

Christen Miller and Lee Hunter are both just typical Steeler prospects due to their nastiness at the line of scrimmage. Both are explosive tackles with the mass to hold up in the run game.

San Francisco 49ers

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Alabama WR Germie Bernard

Draft Needs

1. Offensive Tackle
2. Wide Receiver
3. Guard

2nd Tier WR Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Germie Bernard, Alabama (unranked)
2. Chris Brazzell II, Tennessee (unranked)
3. Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (unranked)

While wide receiver was previously discussed for the 49ers, the focus there was on the top prospects at the position.

Here, we'll be looking at wideouts with second-round grades by B/R's scouting department to help explore the depth of the draft class, especially since the early stages of this season have shown how important it is for the 49ers to have quality pass-catchers to turn to off the bench.

Of the three receivers above, Bernard is arguably the best fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense. The Alabama product has the versatility to line up in the slot or on the boundary and is productive after the catch.

Brazwell is almost exclusively an outside receiver, who has a good combination of size (6'5" and 200 pounds) and ability to win down the field with 17.1 yards per catch through five games this season. He's also currently leading the SEC in receiving yards (531) and the country in touchdowns (seven).

Meanwhile, Sarratt is one of the better contested catch threats in the draft class and stands at 6'2" and 213 pounds. He's also been productive through five games, racking up 31 catches, 412 yards and six touchdowns, with the latter leading the Big Ten. 

Seattle Seahawks

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Penn State OL Olaivavega Ioane

Draft Needs

1. Interior Offensive Line
2. Running Back
3. Cornerback

Top G Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 15)
2. Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (unranked)
3. Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (unranked)

While centers were discussed previously for the Seahawks, the team could afford to upgrade the guard spot opposite rookie Grey Zabel as well, which is this week's focus.

Mauigoa currently lines up at right guard for the Hurricanes, but is a candidate to slide inside in the pros, according to offensive line scout Brandon Thorn. "Mauigoa is a wide-bodied, densely-built, stout presence with very good play strength and square power," Thorn said. 

"He has good body control and fluidity for his size but shows adequate range in pass protection that signals a classic quality collegiate tackle-to-guard convert in the mold of recent draft picks Jonah Savaiinaea and Steve Avila."

Additionally, Ioane could pique Seattle's interest since he has experience playing both guard spots and can play center in a pinch. As for Rutledge, he's one of the best true guards on B/R's big board. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

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BYU LB Isaiah Glakser

Top Draft Needs

1. Edge Defender
2. Linebacker
3. Tight End

2nd Tier LB Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Deontae Lawson, Alabama (unranked)
2. Isaiah Glakser, BYU (unranked)
3. Bryce Boettcher, Oregon (unranked)

Linebacker was discussed previously for the Buccaneers, but the focus was on the top prospects at the position.

So, this week's focus is on second-level defenders who currently have third-round grades, in case Jason Litch decides to wait until day two of the draft to address the position. Hence the slight tweak in the subhead above

All three backers listed are impressive athletes who can fill the coverage role that Lavonte David currently plays. 

Lawson had a tough start to the campaign against Florida State, but has been good since then, highlighted by an outstanding performance against the passing game in Georgia last week. He has a knack for making plays on the ball that's unique for the position, collecting 13 passes defended over the last four seasons. 

Glasker is cut from a similar cloth, as a former wide receiver who has four interceptions and five PDs in his last 17 games. The 6'5" and 240-pound backer also has 5.5 sacks during that timeframe, and made a few clutch plays to seal BYU's win over Colorado last Saturday.

Meanwhile, Boettcher was a multi-sport athlete for the Ducks and got drafted as a center fielder by the Houston Astros in 2024. If he chooses to pursue a career in the NFL instead, his two interceptions and five PDs over the last two years would provide value to any defense in the league.

Tennessee Titans

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Miami OL Francis Mauigoa

Draft Needs

1.  Edge-Rusher
2.  Wide Receiver
3.  Tight End

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

•  Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 15)
•  Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (unranked)
•  Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (unranked)

The Titans' main responsibility over the next few seasons is to build the infrastructure around Cam Ward. That includes ensuring that the offensive line is able to keep him upright while paving the way for an effective run game. They have a lot of young pieces in place to do that, but they are still relying on 35-year-old Kevin Zeitler this season.

Francis Mauigoa would be the optimal replacement at right guard. Much like Peter Skoronski, the Titans could see value in sliding Mauigoa to the inside where his powerful build could help him become a plus-starter. If Mauigoa is unavailable or the Titans simply want to address the need a little later than Keylan Rutledge and Jaeden Roberts are options in the next tier. Both have the size and power the Titans like with pass protection chops to protect Ward.

Washington Commanders

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Penn State S Zakee Wheatley

Draft Needs

1. Edge
2. No. 2 Wide Receiver
3. Guard

Top S Fits on B/R Big Board

1. Zakee Wheatley, Penn State (unranked)
2. Kamari Ramsey, USC (unranked)
3. Tao Johnson, Utah (unranked)

Safety is a current weakness for the Commanders, and it doesn't help that the majority of the position group is on expiring contracts.

Darnell Savage Jr. is only on a one-year contract, while Will Harris, Quan Martin and Jeremy Reaves are just signed through 2026. That should put the position on Adam Peters' radar during the draft.

All three prospects above have second-round or later grades from B/R's scouting department and would be good fits in Washington, especially Wheatley.

"Penn State's Zakee Wheatley isn't a household name, but he should be," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms said. "He's a big body (6'2", 200 lbs) in the back end with real range and instincts once the football is in the air. 

"He also has a knack for anticipating route concepts while reading the quarterback. A willing run defender to boot, he'd be a welcome addition to [the Commanders'] secondary."