Top Draft Needs of Every NFL Team in 2026 for Week 8
NFL team needs are becoming more focused as the season rolls along with some teams looking for splash moves at the trade deadline and others already setting their sights on the 2026 NFL Draft.
Every week of the season Bleacher Report writer Alex Ballentine and B/R NFL Scouting Dept.'s Matt Holder will break down each team's biggest needs and highlight potential 2026 draft prospects who 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
1 of 32
Top Draft Needs
- 2nd Wide Receiver
- Right Tackle
- Cornerback
Top WR Fits on B/R Big Board
- Carnell Tate, Ohio State (No. 12)
- Makai Lemon, USC (No. 32)
- Chris Bell, Louisville (No. 35)
Wide receiver was discussed previously for the Cardinals, but that was ahead of Week 1 and there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. So, let's dive into a few other options out wide for Arizona.
"Tate's height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target," offensive skill positions scout Dame Parson said in the Buckeye's scouting report. "He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air.
"Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills."
"Lemon is pound-for-pound one of the toughest receivers in the nation and terrorizes defenses after the catch. Lemon plays both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver. His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackling-breaking prowess enable him to consistently gain yards after the catch." – Parson
"Bell has become one of the most impactful receivers in college football. He's the perfect height, weight, and speed receiver for NFL teams to bet on. Bell is a physically imposing receiver who puts defenses in conflict after the catch.
"He is built as an outside receiver but brings usage and alignment versatility to an offense." – Parson
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32
Draft Needs
- 2nd Wide Receiver
- Linebacker
- Cornerback
Top WR Fits on B/R Big Board
- Carnell Tate, Ohio State (No. 12)
- Makai Lemon, USC (No. 32)
- Chris Bell, Louisville (No. 35)
Wide receiver was discussed previously for the Falcons, but that was ahead of Week 2, and there has been some movement on B/R's big board since then. So, let's take a look at a few risers who could fill Atlanta's need for a No. 2 out wide.
"Tate's height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target," offensive skill positions scout Dame Parson said in the Buckeye's scouting report. "He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air.
"Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills."
"Lemon is pound-for-pound one of the toughest receivers in the nation and terrorizes defenses after the catch. Lemon plays both in the slot and outside as the Z-receiver. His toughness, spatial awareness, and tackling-breaking prowess enable him to consistently gain yards after the catch." – Parson
"Bell has become one of the most impactful receivers in college football. He's the perfect height, weight, and speed receiver for NFL teams to bet on. Bell is a physically imposing receiver who puts defenses in conflict after the catch.
"He is built as an outside receiver but brings usage and alignment versatility to an offense." – Parson
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32
Draft Needs
- Interior Offensive Line
- Edge-Rusher
- Defensive Line
Top DL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Peter Woods, Clemson (No. 6)
- Christen Miller, Georgia (No. 43)
- A'Mauri Washington, Oregon (No. 45)
The Baltimore Ravens are on a worst-case scenario track for the 2025 seasons. Faults have been exposed throughout the season without Lamar Jackson, but the depth of the interior defensive line is something that has been an eye opener. With Broderick Washington and Nnamdi Madubuike on injured reserve they are playing 34-year-old Brent Urban and 36-year-old John Jenkins for a lot of meaningful reps.
Part of their draft strategy should include bolstering their defensive depth on the interior. Peter Woods remains the top interior lineman on our big board. He's a disruptive force who can not only anchor against the run and push the pocket, but be a legitimate pass-rush artist.
LT Overton is the next defensive lineman on our big board, but the Ravens have avoided smaller interior linemen lately. That could move Christen Miller (6'4", 305) and A'Mauri Washington (6'3", 330) up their board.
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32
Draft Needs
2nd Tier CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
Top Need Spotlight: IOL
We'll take a look at the Bills secondary need at cornerback this week, but the Bills should still have their eyes on an interior offensive lineman. Auburn's Connor Lew remains the name to keep an eye on.
B/R scout Brandon Thorn calls him a, "young prospect with a solid all-around skill-set who operates on time with good positional leverage."
CB Scheme Fits
The Bills have Christian Benford tied up for a long time and the hope is that Maxwell Hairston will develop into a long-time starter when he gets healthy. They also hoped that Kaiir Elam would do the same. In all likelihood, they learned their lesson the last time they took a cornerback early in the draft. Without much proof that Hairston can be the their second boundary cornerback they should be looking to add depth later in the draft.
There are a few cornerbacks who fit the mold as taller zone corners who could fit their system. Jyaire Hill (6'2", 185) needs to add some bulk and improve his physicality, but could be a strong fit. Will Lee is a 6'3" corner who thrives in zone coverage and A.J. Harris (6'1", 191) put up great 2024 film before hurting his draft stock this season.
Any of the three would be a good calculated risk in the spring.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32
Draft Needs
- Center
- Linebacker
- Safety
Top Need Spotlight: LB
We'll take a look at one of the Panthers' secondary needs, cornerback, this week, but Carolina should also dive into the 2026 linebacker class. Ohio State's Arvell Reese is a good player to keep an eye on, as he's quickly become the top prospect at the position.
Also, Reese has the potential to contribute as an edge-rusher, another area for improvement for the team's defense.
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Avieon Terrell, Clemson (No. 22)
- Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 26)
- Domani Jackson, Alabama (No. 82)
As long as Jaycee Horn is around, corner won't be a major need for the Panthers. However, the defense could afford to upgrade over Michael Jackson Sr., who is only under contract through next season and could be released to save $4.8 million of cap space with just $2 million in dead cap, according to Over The Cap.
All of the corners above have second-round grades from B'R's scouting department and should be on Dan Morgan's radar, especially the Texas product.
"For those who love watching ultra-competitive, twitchy-man coverage corners who frustrate wide receivers, Malik Muhammad is a must-watch," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms wrote in the Longhorn's scouting report
Chicago Bears
6 of 32
Draft Needs:
- Left Tackle
- Safety
- Edge-Rusher
Top Edge fits on B/R Big Board
- Matayo Uiagalelei, Oregon (No. 28)
- R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma (No. 49)
- Zion Young, Missouri (No. 54)
Edge has been discussed previously for the Bears, but there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. Also, the three prospects above all have second-round grades from B/R's scouting department, so they could be good Day 2 options if Chicago prioritizes another position in round one.
At 6'5", 272 pounds, Uiagalelei has a good blend of size, strength and athleticism to be exactly what Dennis Allen looks for in a defensive end. The 6'5", 262-pound Young falls into a similar category, but he isn't as polished and is more of a traits/project type of prospect rather than a day one contributor.
Meanwhile, Thomas lacks ideal size and length at 6'2", 249 pounds. However, his game is eerily similar to a former Oklahoma Sooner and undersized pass-rusher, Nik Bonitto, who heads into Week 8 third in the NFL with eight sacks despite being just 6'3", 240 pounds.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32
Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Edge-Rusher
- Interior Offensive Line
Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 18)
- Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (No. 24)
- Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (No. 46)
We've seen what the Bengals look like without Joe Burrow leading the way. It isn't pretty. There are plenty of needs on the defensive side of the ball, but reinforcing the offensive line should always be on the Bengals mind. We highlighted interior offensive line as a need in Week 2, but the conversation around the prospects has changed quite a bit since then.
For one, we've officially classified Francis Mauigoa as a guard. His pass protection range might not be good enough to stick at tackle in the league, but it's more than adequate to be a solid pass-protecting guard. Olaivavega wasn't really in our rankings at the beginning of the season, but Brandon Thorn now sees the mauler as the second-best guard in the class. Emmanuel Pregnon would also fit as a big, powerful guard who can anchor against an interior bull rush.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32
Draft Needs
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Tackle
2nd Tier CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Chandler Rivers, Duke (No. 30)
- Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina (No. 48)
- Chris Johnson, San Diego State (No. 64)
Top Need Spotlight: WR
The Browns will have a few pieces on defense they need to replace, but getting weapons on offense remains a top priority. Ohio State's Carnell Tate would be a fan favorite pick. Here's B/R scout Dame Parson on what he brings to the table:
"Tate's height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target. He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air. Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills."
CB Scheme Fits
The Browns traded for Tyson Campbell earlier in the year and it removed some of their need for an outside corner. They essentially swapped Greg Newsome II and his expiring contract for Campbell, who is already under contract for 2026 and beyond. They still have to address the fact that Martin Emerson is also set to become a free agent this offseason.
The one thing they will miss was Newsome's ability to slide into the slot. Being able to play Ward, Emerson and Newsome at the same time was a benefit that allowed the Browns to take advantage of their pass rush.
It would make a lot of sense for the Browns to target a versatile defensive back who could man the slot in this draft. Chandler Rivers is among the best prospects for that role. At 5'10", 185 pounds he doesn't have the prototypical length they look for, but his stickiness in coverage shouldn't be overlooked. Jalon Kilgore projects as a slot-safety hybrid who would fit right in while Chris Johnson has some inside-out versatility.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32
Draft Needs:
- No. 2 Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
Top Need Spotlight: WR
We'll take a look at a secondary need for the Cowboys this week, but Jerry Jones and Co. should still have their eyes on the wide receiver class in case George Pickens doesn't re-sign. A good option to potentially replace Pickens is Ohio State's Carnell Tate.
"Tate's height and wingspan offer a quarterback-friendly target. He extends the catch point away from his frame and plucks the ball from the air," the Buckeye's scouting report says.
"Tate is a bouncy athlete who can climb the ladder over defenders at the catch point. He has soft, reliable hands and excellent ball tracking skills."
Top RB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M (No. 55)
- Justice Haynes, Michigan (No. 63)
- Kaytron Allen, Penn State (No. 74)
While running back has been discussed previously for the Cowboys, that was at the beginning of the season and there have been a few risers on B/R's big board who are worth keeping tabs on over the next few months. Especially since Dallas' leading rusher, Javonte Williams, is only on a one-year contract.
Moss is the top prospect listed above but does come with an injury history, tearing an ACL and MCL at the end of last season and currently being sidelined with an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Haynes has logged over 700 rushing yards and 7.4 yards per carry through six games this year, and Allen has become Penn State's lead back over Nicholas Singleton. The latter is significant since Singleton was viewed as one of the top backs in the 2026 class heading into the fall.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32
Draft Needs
2nd Tier DL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
Top Need Spotlight: OT
We'll primarily focus on the Broncos need for reinforcements on defense, but they'll have to continue to have their eye on offensive tackles of the future. Boise State's Kage Casey is a sleeper to watch.
"Kage Casey is a solid all-around blocker, who operates from a firm, square base with good processing skills, hand placement and very good play strength," B/R scout Brandon Thorn noted in the Bronco's scouting report.
DL Scheme Fits
The Broncos have turned the defensive line into a strength by targeting veterans in recent offseasons. Adding Zach Allen and John Franklin-Myers has made the interior an asset for a strong defense. That's an expensive way to build the defense, though. Eventually, they'll have to invest in the defensive front in the draft. They may want to focus on offense early in the draft, but there are some intriguing fits who could be available later.
Zane Durant is chief among them. The 6'1", 294 pounder is undersized, but Franklin-Myers is too. What stands out about the Penn State defender is his explosiveness out of this stance. He could offer an interior pass rush that the Broncos would be missing if Franklin-Myers hits free agency this season. Rayshaun Benny isn't likely to be a star, but he's an experienced defensive tackle with the kind of frame (6'4", 295) that the Broncos are typically looking for.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32
Draft Needs
- 2nd Edge Rusher
- Center
- Cornerback
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Avieon Terrell, Clemson (No. 22)
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 51)
- Domani Jackson, Alabama (No. 82)
Cornerback has been discussed previously for the Lions, but there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. So, let's look at a few other options to address one of Detroit's biggest needs.
Terrell is the most recognizable name above, partly because his brother, A.J., has been locking down opposing wide receivers for the Atlanta Falcons since 2020. Avieon is well-equipped to carve out his own legacy in the NFL, as he's the best zone corner in the 2026 draft, according to defensive backs scout Daniel Harms.
Meanwhile, Jackson doesn't have eye-popping stats this season with no interceptions or passes defended yet, but he has the size, length and skill set to be an NFL starter. Igbniosun, on the other hand, has five PDs in seven games and has significantly cut down on the penalties that plagued him a year ago.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32
Draft Needs
- Defensive Tackle
- Outside Cornerback
- Left Tackle
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 51)
- Jyaire Hill, Michigan (No. 67)
- Domani Jackson, Alabama (No. 82)
Cornerback was discussed previously for the Packers, but there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. Now that we have a more clear view of where prospects stand, let's dive into a few second-round options that would make sense for Green Bay.
Brian Gutekunst needs to be looking for someone who can cover on the perimeter, so that Nate Hobbs can move back to his more natural position at nickelback. The three prospects above can fill that role and all have great length, seeing as Jackson is the shortest at 6'1".
The Alabama product has the size, length and skill set to be an NFL starter, while Igbinosun (6'2") has great ball production with 24 passes defended in 49 career games. The same goes for Hill (6'2"), who has logged 12 PDs in his last 19 games.
Houston Texans
13 of 32
Draft Needs
2ns Tier S Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
Top Need Spotlight: DL
Back in Week 6 we touched on the Texans need for interior defensive linemen. Since then A'Mauri Washington (No. 45 on our Big Board) has emerged as a player to watch. The 6'3" 330-pounder would certainly add more edge to the Texans run defense.
Safety Scheme Fits
The Texans have a lot of defensive pieces in place, but they do have needs on the defensive line that should be addressed early in the draft or free agency. The need for a safety who could eventually replace M.J. Stewart is a little lower on the priority list.
Stewart enables the Texans to play a lot of three-safety looks with Jalen Pitre manning the slot. Ideally, the Texans would be able to identify a younger safety who can roll up and play in the flats. Each of these safeties are over 200 pounds and figure to be available in the middle rounds. Bray Hubbard has emerged as an option based on his zone coverage and physicality in the box. He joins the conversation around the likes of Sabb and Nwankpa who started building their profiles last season.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32
Draft Needs
- Linebacker
- Offensive Tackle
- Defensive Line
2nd Tier OT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Xavier Chaplin, Auburn (No. 90)
- J.C. Davis, Illinois (No. 126)
- Blake Miller, Clemson (No. 131)
An excellent offensive line and head coach Shane Steichen have been a driving force behind the Colts offensive explosion this season. Getting a peak season from Jonathan Taylor doesn't hurt, either. But the best teams are thinking of needs ahead of time and Indianapolis may have to turn to the 2026 draft to find their long-term solution at right tackle. Braden Smith is set to become a free agent next season and he's coming off a 2024 campaign where he struggled through injury.
The best path forward might be drafting a project at right tackle who could learn for a season or two under Smith. That creates a nice runway for a few of the tackles who could become starters but have some things to work on.
Xavier Chaplin might be the president of that club. He has excellent size at 6'7", 348 pounds, but there's some refinement that only NFL experience is going to give him. J.C. Davis has been inconsistent but shown flashes at Illinois while Blake Miller is the kind of mauling right tackle that could work out in Indy.
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32
Draft Needs
- Safety
- Cornerback
- Defensive Line
Top Slot CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Chandler Rivers, Duke (No. 30)
- Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina (No. 48)
- D'Angelo Ponds, Indiana (unranked)
Jourdan Lewis going down for a moment last week was a bit of a reminder that the Jaguars answer in the slot is likely a temporary one. He's putting together a great season thus far and he returned to the lineup, but it accentuated the fact that the Jaguars probably need to look at who they want to be manning the slot over the next few seasons.
Chandler Rivers is the kind of corner who will be asked to move to the slot full-time in the league. He holds his own against bigger receivers on the outside, but his best trait is his stickiness in coverage where he could lock down inside receivers.
Jalon Kilgore still has some questions to answer about whether he's a safety or not, but his physicality would help Jacksonville's young secondary build an identity while D'Angelo Ponds is another scrappy, undersized corner with plenty of speed to stick with vertical threats downfield.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32
Draft Needs
- Defensive Line
- Safety
- Wide Receiver
2nd Tier CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 51)
- Jyaire Hill, Michigan (No. 67)
- DJ McKinney, Colorado (unranked)
Top Need Spotlight: DL
We'll get into the Chiefs sneaky need at cornerback this week, but before that it's worth noting that Domonique Orange continues to rise up our board as a defensive lineman. The 6'4", 325 pound Iowa State product is the kind of run-stuffer that could help long-term.
CB Scheme Fits
Few teams have uncovered as many gems at a position than the Kansas City Chiefs have mined at the cornerback position.
Whether it's L'Jarius Sneed, Jaylen Watson or Joshua Williams, they have been able to find functional or better starters on Day 3 of the draft at a premium position. Their ability to find what they're looking for has enabled them to field a strong defense even when they lose someone like Sneed in free agency.
Usually, their recipe has been to target more unpolished corners with length and speed. This trio certainly qualifies as all three are above 6'1" and have speed on film that should at least put them around 4.4 in the 40. They aren't the typical small school finds they have targeted in the past, but they do fit the mold as overlooked talents who could wind up developing into starters with the Chiefs.
Las Vegas Raiders
17 of 32
Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Linebacker
- Quarterback
Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (No. 5)
- Dante Moore, Oregon (No. 11)
- Ty Simpson, Alabama (No. 19)
We've not considered quarterback as a need for the Raiders because they signed Geno Smith to a two-year, $75 million contract this offseason. Fortunately for the team, there's a fairly easy way out of the contract next offseason. That could come in to play after the team turned to Kenny Pickett last Sunday and head coach Pete Carroll told media the competition is on after the game.
That could make the Raiders another team that will seriously consider quarterback. Dante Moore not only has the ability to operate an on-time offense, but can also improvise in a way that has worked well with Carroll in the past. He throws an accurate ball and continues to rise up draft boards as the season goes on in Oregon.
Fernando Mendoza remains B/R's top overall quarterback prospect. His combination of football IQ and downfield accuracy should excite a lot of teams. Meanwhile Ty Simpson has been another riser throughout the season. His processing ability is evident on film and Carroll should love his ability to play on-time.
Los Angeles Chargers
18 of 32
Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Interior Offensive Line
- Interior Defensive Line
2nd Tier Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Zion Young, Missouri (No. 54)
- Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State (No. 59)
- Gabe Jacas, Illinois (No. 122)
Top Need Spotlight: Interior DL
The Chargers could use another edge-rusher, but the need on the defensive line should be the priority. Peter Woods might go a little too early for the Chargers, but LT Overton remains a good fit based on his versatility.
Has experience playing several alignments along the defensive line, lining up anywhere from a 2i- to a 7-technique," B/R scout Matt Holder noted in his scouting report. "Strong and physical at the point of attack to stand up offensive tackles and get extension on blocks. Good at shedding blocks, too."
EDGE Scheme Fits
Bringing on Odafe Oweh has suppressed the need for a pass-rusher in Los Angeles. Oweh has played around 50 percent of the snaps and Khalil Mack's return to the lineup means the Boltshave even more depth at the position. However, Mack and Bud Dupree are both getting older so it would make sense for the Chargers to utilize a mid-round pick on an edge-rusher who could grow into their system.
Zion Young and Dani Dennis-Sutton both have ideal frames to be the kind of powerful edge-rushers that the Chargers front office typically favors. However, Gabe Jacas is a really intriguing name to watch. The 6'3", 270-pounder was named to The Athletic's annual list of exceptional athletes with a max speed of over 20 miles per hour and more than 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press. His size and speed combination are going to be worth a dice roll.
Los Angeles Rams
19 of 32
Draft Needs
- Quarterback
- Offensive Tackle
- Cornerback
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Avieon Terrell, Clemson (No. 22)
- Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 26)
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 50)
Corneback was discussed previously for the Rams, but that was ahead of Week 2 and there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. So, it's worth keeping tabs on the three prospects above, especially the Clemson product, the brother of current Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell.
"Terrell is a competitor and showcases the best zone-coverage eyes among the nation's corners," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms said in the Tiger's scouting report.
"...He has a great competitive nature across the board and won't back down to anyone. His improved strength and leverage understanding to deliver hits and get off blocks."
Miami Dolphins
20 of 32
Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
- Offensive Tackle
Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (No. 6)
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (No. 33)
- Dante Moore, Oregon (No. 11)
Top Need Spotlight: WR
Before we get into why the Dolphins might be looking at a quarterback and who that quarterback could be, we'll highlight a receiver who should be on their radar. Makai Lemon has established himself as one of the top receivers in the class and his run-after-the-catch ability would make him a great fit in South Beach.
QB Scheme Fits
It's starting to get to the point where we have to acknowledge that the Dolphins could actually draft a quarterback in 2026. Tua Tagovailoa has nearly as many interceptions (10) as touchdowns (11) this season and the Dolphins are 1-6 after a loss to the Cleveland Browns. We've put off the possibility of the Dolphins moving on because of his four-year, $212.4 million extension in the summer of 2024, but the results are hard to ignore.
Tagovailoa's biggest strength at his best is his accuracy. Elite ball placement with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle yielded one of the league's most explosive offenses at one point. Thus, it would make sense for them to once again target someone who has demonstrated great accuracy. Fernando Mendoza's accuracy and processing are two of his greatest strengths.
Nussmeier also throws an accurate ball with the kind of football IQ you'd expect from the son of an NFL offensive coordinator. Moore is probably the biggest riser at the quarterback position since the start of the season.
Minnesota Vikings
21 of 32
Draft Needs
- Cornerback
- Defensive Line
- Safety
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Mansoor Delane, LSU (No. 4)
- Avieon Terrell, Clemson (No. 22)
- Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 26)
Cornerback was discussed previously for the Vikings, but that was ahead of Week 1 and there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. The three prospects above should all be on the table for Minnesota, especially Delane, who is trending toward being the top player at the position in this year's draft class.
"Mansoor Delane is a complete cornerback now playing in a defense where he can thrive," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms said in the LSU product's scouting report.
"The 6'0", 190-pound defensive back has been a shutdown corner for the LSU Tigers, putting his top-tier skills on display in the national spotlight, which has improved his standing in Bleacher Report's rankings significantly [since the beginning of the season]."
New England Patriots
22 of 32
Draft Needs
- Edge-Rusher
- Cornerback
- Wide Receiver
2nd Tier WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Elijah Sarratt, Indiana (No. 42)
- Germie Bernard, Alabama (No. 50)
- Malachi Fields, Notre Dame (No. 108)
The Patriots need at wide receiver is a little less severe than it was at the beginning of the season. Drake Maye is progressing nicely and some of that is due to Kayshon Boutte emerging as a big play threat and Stefon Diggs showing that he can still play at a high level.
However, Mack Hollins is a short terms solution as part of the receiving corps and the Patriots could use a younger receiver who could play a similar role. Hollins is a big-bodied blocker who can also provide some vertical ball-winning. Elijah Sarratt (6'2", 209), Germie Bernard (6'1", 209) and Malachi Fields (6'4", 223) are all bigger receivers who could work in complementary roles to Boutte and Diggs.
New Orleans Saints
23 of 32
Draft Needs
- Wide Receiver
- Guard
- Cornerback
Top Need Spotlight: G
We'll take a look at one of the Saints' secondary needs, running back, this week. But the organization should be heavily entrenched in this year's guard class, and Penn State's Olaivavega "Vega" Ioane is a name to keep an eye on.
"Ioane is the top pure guard in the class thanks to his ability to halt and generate movement on command," offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said. "Ioane has been a notably steady presence on an otherwise inconsistent Nittany Lions offense over the first six weeks of the 2025 season."
Top RB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Le'Veon Moss, Texas A&M (No. 55)
- Justice Haynes, Michigan (No. 63)
- Jonah Coleman, Washington (No. 72)
While Alvin Kamara has made it clear that he wants to stick it out in New Orleans, Kamara is only signed through next season and will turn 31 in July. Also, Kendre Miller's contract expires next offseason, too. So, running back isn't a top need, but it's one worth exploring for the Saints, especially the Texas A&M product.
"Moss is a talented running back with a three-down skill set to become an impact player and difference maker for an NFL offense," offensive skill positions scout Dame Parson said. "Moss does multiple things well, from catching passes out of the backfield to pass protection and being a volume runner."
New York Giants
24 of 32
Draft Needs:
- Right Tackle
- Cornerback
- Tight End
Top CB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Avieon Terrell, Clemson (No. 22)
- Malik Muhammad, Texas (No. 26)
- Domani Jackson, Alabama (No. 82)
While cornerback has been discussed previously for the Giants, that was at the beginning of the season and there have been a few risers on B/R's big board who are worth keeping tabs on over the next few months. Especially since New York's best corner this season, Cor'Dale Flott, is an impending free agent.
Of the prospects above, the most significant name to know is a familiar one since the Terrell family has already produced a first-rounder at the position.
"Avieon Terrell is a competitor and showcases the best zone-coverage eyes among the nation's corners," defensive backs scout Daniel Harms wrote in the Tiger's scouting report. "He also brings NFL bloodlines as the younger brother of former Clemson corner A.J. Terrell."
New York Jets
25 of 32
Draft Needs
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Defensive Line
Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Fernando Mendoza, Indiana (No. 6)
- Dante Moore, Oregon (No. 11)
- Garrett Nussmeier, LSU (No. 33)
Quarterback should have been on the Jets radar all season. There was hope that Justin Fields could become a franchise quarterback with his third team, but that hasn't been the case. A lot has changed since we featured the Jets need at quarterback in Week 3. The Jets have put themselves in pole position for the No. 1 pick and the top of the quarterback class has changed.
Fernando Mendoza has played up to the lofty ranking that he had in the beginning of the season. LaNorris Sellers, who was at the top of the Jets board early in the season, has seen his stock fall. However, Dante Moore is showing that he could be one of the best passers in the draft. Garrett Nussmeier is hanging steady. His processing and accuracy would make him an ideal pairing if the current Jets coaching staff is retained.
Philadelphia Eagles
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Draft Needs:
- Tight End
- Cornerback
- Edge
Top Need Spotlight: TE
We'll take a look at a secondary need in Philadelphia this week, but Howie Roseman should still keep tabs on this year's tight ends class, and Baylor's Michael Trigg is worth keeping an eye on.
"Trigg is a matchup problem for defenses, who already has the nuance and route detail to contribute to an NFL offense right away," tight ends scout Daniel Harms said. "His manipulation tactics align perfectly with his understanding of space, enabling him to exploit whatever defense is in front of him."
Top G Fits on B/R Big Board
- Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (No. 24)
- Emmanuel Pregnon, Oregon (No. 25)
- Brian Parker II, Duke (No. 73)
The Eagles have gone from being one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL last season to ranking 31st in yards per carry (3.3) through seven weeks this year, according to TeamRankings. A big reason is that their interior offensive line has been struggling.
Granted, it's still not one of the top needs listed below because a completely healthy Landon Dickerson can help solve that problem, and Tyler Steen is under contract through 2026.
However, Roseman likes to stay at least a year ahead of his team's needs, and he might want to consider divining into a few guards this spring. Looking at a prospect that's already in the state would be a good place to start.
"Ioane is the top pure guard in the class thanks to his ability to halt and generate movement on command," offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said. "Ioane has been a notably steady presence on an otherwise inconsistent Nittany Lions offense over the first six weeks of the 2025 season."
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Draft Needs
- Quarterback
- Wide Receiver
- Cornerback
2nd Tier CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Jalon Kilgore, South Carolina (No. 48)
- Davison Igbinosun, Ohio State (No. 51)
- A.J. Harris, Penn State (No. 104)
The Steelers could be looking to use their first-round pick on a replacement for Aaron Rodgers. A wide receiver who could become the No. 2 alongside DK Metcalf should also be on their wishlist. Targeting both early could push cornerback to the third round. This is a team that starts both Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay so an infusion of youth is necessary in the cornerback room.
Jalon Kilgore started the season with first-round buzz but some of that has faded. His production doesn't match what we saw from him last season, but he's still an intriguing answer in the slot who could also moonlight as a safety.
If the Steelers are looking for a physical boundary corner like Joey Porter Jr. then they should give Big Ten corners Davison Igbinosun and A.J. Harris a look. Igbinosun has been a riser this season and Harris's 2024 tape made him look like a lockdown corner despite some struggles this season.
San Francisco 49ers
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Draft Needs
- Wide Receiver
- Guard
- Cornerback
Top G Fits on B/R Big Board
- Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (No. 24)
- Brian Parker II, Duke (No. 72)
- Gennings Dunker, Iowa (unranked)
Guard was discussed previously for the 49ers, but there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. So, let's take a look at a few prospects to keep tabs on.
"Ioane is the top pure guard in the class thanks to his ability to halt and generate movement on command," offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said. "Ioane has been a notably steady presence on an otherwise inconsistent Nittany Lions offense over the first six weeks of the 2025 season."
"Parker is a hard-nosed, athletic blocker with strong hands and excellent competitive toughness whose sawed off frame makes him an easy projection inside as a high-quality swing interior backup with starter upside." – Thorn
"Dunker is a rugged, powerful in-line blocker built of the right stuff who will need to kick inside as a pro to mitigate middling movement skills. He can carve out a role and crack a lineup over his rookie contract in a play-action heavy, run-first scheme." – Thorn
Seattle Seahawks
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Draft Needs
- Interior Offensive Line
- Cornerback
- Edge
Top Need Spotlight: Edge
We'll take a look at one of the Seahawks' secondary needs this week, but the organization should be taking a hard look at this year's edge class. One pass-rusher to keep tabs on is Texas Tech's David Bailey, who has a deep bag of moves that he can win with, leading the country with 10.5 sacks heading into the weekend.
Top LB Fits on B/R Big Board
- Sonny Styles, Ohio State (No. 29)
- CJ Allen, Georgia (No. 31)
- Deontae Lawson, Alabama (No. 43)
Linebacker isn't a pressing need for Seattle with Ernest Jones in the fold. But the defense is struggling to figure out the spot next to Jones, giving Drake Thomas and Tyrice Knight a handful of starts each this season.
Luckily, this year's draft class is strong at the position, as all three prospects could be good coverage backers in the NFL, especially Allen.
"Allen is a top-tier athlete who is great in coverage and has enormous potential at just 20 years old (turns 21 in March) to develop into a linebacker who never has to come off the field in the NFL," the Bulldog's scouting report says.
"...[He has] impressive hand-eye coordination and vertical jump to make plays on the ball in the air that most linebackers won't."
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Draft Needs
- Edge Defender
- Linebacker
- Tight End
Top TE Fits on B/R Big Board
- Michael Trigg, Baylor (No. 68)
- Eli Raridon, Notre Dame (No. 80)
- Marlin Klein, Michigan (No. 93)
Tight end was discussed previously for the Buccaneers, but the focus there was on the top prospects at the position. As the season goes on and the draft becomes closer, it's worth keeping tabs on a few mid-round options for Tampa Bay, especially the Baylor product.
"Trigg is a matchup problem for defenses, who already has the nuance and route detail to contribute to an NFL offense right away," tight ends scout Daniel Harms said. "His manipulation tactics align perfectly with his understanding of space, enabling him to exploit whatever defense is in front of him."
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32
Draft Needs
- Edge-Rusher
- Wide Receiver
- Interior Offensive Line
2nd Tier IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board
- Keylan Rutledge, Georgia Tech (No. 86)
- Chase Bisontis, Texas A&M (No. 152)
- Jaeden Roberts, Alabama (No. 143)
The Titans have gone heavy on drafting offensive linemen over the last few years, but there's still work to be done. Protecting Cam Ward is going to be a priority this offseason. However, needs at edge-rusher and wide receiver might push their need for a guard to replace Kevin Zeitler down their list of priorities.
This isn't a tremendous guard class, but there are a few interesting prospects who could be found in the middle rounds. Keylan Rutledge is a powerful run-blocker whose size also allows him to anchor against bull-rushers putting him on an offensive line with JC Latham and Peter Soronski would give them a strong core. Chase Bisontis is in the same mold, but might be a better pass protector. Jaeden Roberts struggled to get in Alabama's lineup after an injury this season, but he still has NFL traits.
Washington Commanders
32 of 32
Draft Needs
- Edge
- No. 2 Wide Receiver
- Guard
Top G Fits on B/R Big Board
- Francis Mauigoa, Miami (No. 18)
- Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State (No. 24)
- Brian Parker II, Duke (No. 73)
Guard was discussed previously for the Commanders, but there have been a few risers on B/R's big board since then. Also, the offense has continued to struggle at the position and Chris Paul, who has been a starter since Week 3, is an impending free agent.
So, there are a handful of reasons to keep tabs on interior offensive line prospects for Washington, including a potential first-round option who could switch positions at the next level.
"Mauigoa is a densely-built, stout presence with very good play strength and square power to anchor and create movement on day one in the NFL," offensive line scout Brandon Thorn said in the Hurricane's scouting report.
"His adequate range in pass protection signals a classic quality collegiate tackle-to-guard convert in the mold of recent draft picks Jonah Savaiinaea and Steve Avila."
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