.jpg?w=1280 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
1 Surprising Need Each NFL Team Could Address in 2026 NFL Draft
The NFL draft wouldn't be one of the sport's most compelling offseason events without the element of surprise.
Every year, there are teams that make shocking picks and give discussion fodder for months before the season starts.
A lot of those shocking picks can be chalked up to the fact that teams aren't drafting with a one-year window in mind. They are looking at the roster from a multi-year lens. While teams sign free agents to patch immediate holes, they build the foundation of their roster through the draft.
That leads to some interesting selections every year as team's get ahead of needs that might not appear to be urgent. With just a few weeks to go before the draft, here's one need that each team could surprisingly target in this year's draft along with some possible prospects to match.
Arizona Cardinals
1 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Cardinals Buccaneers Football")
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
The Cardinals aggressively attacked the offensive line in free agency. Isaac Seumalo highlights their free agent class and they also brought back Elijah Wilkinson after his stint with the Atlanta Falcons.
But signing two linemen north of 30 years old isn't going to take interior linemen off of their draft board.
The Cardinals interior trio figures to be left guard Seumalo, center Hjalte Froholdt and right guard Isaiah Adams. However, Seumalo is 32 years old and Adams has yet to entrench himself as the starter at right guard.
Arizona could very well target an interior lineman to develop in the middle rounds. Keylan Rutledge and Gennings Dunker are both the kind of bigger, bullying guards the Cardinals need to build their run game while Carver Willis could serve as a utility depth piece with center potential.
Atlanta Falcons
2 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Saints Falcons Football")
Surprising Need: Tight End
Potential Targets
The Falcons have been active at the tight end position this offseason. They franchise-tagged Kyle Pitts. Kevin Stefanski reunited with Austin Hooper and they still have Charlie Woerner on the roster.
That means they are theoretically set up at the position for next season. However, Pitts, Hooper and Woerner will all be free agents in 2027.
As much as Stefanski uses tight ends in his system, the Falcons are going to want to have at least one young option who can develop this season.
Ideally, the Falcons could target help at the position late on Day 2 or early in Day 3. That's where there quite a few interesting tight end prospects. Sam Roush is one of the most exciting because he has the size to play in line at 6'5", 260 pounds.
Oscar Delp blocks much better than you'd expect from a 6'5", 245-pound prospect, but the nastiness he brings will have him on the field earlier than expected.
Royer is another tier lower, but has experience blocking everywhere and can do it at a fraction of the price of Woerner.
Baltimore Ravens
3 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Patriots Ravens Football")
Surprising Need: Safety
Potential Targets
Kyle Hamilton is one of the best safeties in the league, but he's at his best when the Ravens can unleash him all over the field. Finding a third safety who can play with Hamilton and Malakai Starks on the field is an underrated need for the Ravens.
They signed Jaylinn Hawkins to a two-year contract in free agency, but there's an out in the deal after the first season. If the 29-year-old doesn't fit the role or there's a younger, cheaper option, the Ravens can easily get out of the contract.
That could be a consideration if the Ravens use a draft pick to add to the room. Hawkins provides a nice floor for the position, but his ceiling is already established.
B/R scout Daniel Harms praised Zakee Wheatley's ability to defend the run, but also be a playmaker as a centerfielder.
"His single-high ability, paired with his instincts, let him flow around the back end of the defense. Has real range to make plays."
Jalon Kilgore is the kind of physical player that the Ravens like to go after. Kamari Ramsey is another option who could play deep and provide more playmaking in coverage.
.jpg?w=256 "NFL Draft Football")
Buffalo Bills
4 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bills Jaguars Football")
Surprising Need: Safety
Potential Targets
The Bills added Geno Stone and C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free agency. That's definitely enough to give them enough at the position alongside Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin this season.
Those are short-term solutions, though. Stone, Gardner-Johnson and Hamlin are all free agents after this season.
The safety room has been a question mark since Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde aged out of their primes. Bishop is a long-term solution, but the Bills would do well to find a running mate who could become the starting strong safety.
Both Jalon Kilgore and A.J. Haulcy are strong fits for that role. However, both might be off the board before the Bills are willing to invest. Ultimately, Jakobe Thomas might be the perfect blend of value and fit.
"Jakobe Thomas is constantly delivering big hits, triggering downhill with force and a physical click and close ability. The aggressive mindset shows up in multiple phases in his game and contributes to his added impact as a blitzer and a box safety," B/R scout Daniel Harms wrote in his scouting report.
He's the kind of prospect who could contribute on special team for a year while he learns the defense before taking over as the starting strong safety in Year 2.
Carolina Panthers
5 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Panthers Football")
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
Damien Lewis will be the fourth-highest-paid left guard in the league this season. Robert Hunt will the third-highest-paid right guard. Neither is set to hit free agency until 2028, but the Panthers will have to have a conversation about whether they want to continue to pay that much money to both starting guards.
Both Lewis and Hunt are playing well, but the Panthers could start to feel the strain as the cap hits remaining on their current contracts will continue to be high.
At the same time, the Panthers just lost Cade Mays in free agency. They signed Luke Fortner to a one-year contract, but it wouldn't be surprising to see them draft an interior lineman who could compete at center and potentially replace one of their expensive guards in the future.
Sam Hecht has experience at center from Kansas State. Both Gennings Dunker and Keylan Rutledge project as guards at the next level.
Any of the three would bring toughness and physicality to the offensive line and valuable flexibility as the Panthers try to build an elite offensive line.
Chicago Bears
6 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Bears Football")
Surprising Need: Cornerback
Potential Targets
Any talk of the Bears using the draft to improve their secondary has typically involved the safety position. It's clear they need to add a starter at the position and they could utilize their first-round pick on Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Dillon Thieneman.
The reality is that one of their second-round selections (they have the 57th and 60th picks) could be used on a cornerback as well.
The starting duo of Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson are set for 2026. However, Stevenson is set to hit free agency in 2027 and Spotrac projects a four-year, $80 million contract for the 25-year-old.
If the Bears are hesitant to hand that out then they might be looking to the draft to get ahead of the need. Chris Johnson closed out the first round of our latest mock, but Brandon Cisse is a physical corner who could wind up being available.
"Brandon Cisse has exceptional lateral and downhill explosion that he uses to trigger on perimeter runs/screens and maintain sticky man coverage. The willingness and physicality to jam in press coverage give him multiple tools to be a menace as a boundary corner," B/R scout Daniel Harms noted in his scouting report.
He's the kind of physical corner defensive coordinator Dennis Allen would love to have.
Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bengals Dolphins Football")
Surprising Need: Tight End
Potential Targets
The Bengals could spend all eight of their picks on defense and the fanbase wouldn't complain. There's no denying the group needs a continued infusion of talent.
What we wouldn't expect is that Joe Burrow needs another weapon, but there's still room for a promising young tight end on the roster.
Noah Fant was a productive receiver for the Bengals last season, but he's no longer on the roster. Drew Sample and Mike Gesicki are the primary options. Sample and Gesicki will both be 31 next offseason. Sample will be an unrestricted free agent while Gesicki will have a cuttable contract.
This year's class of tight ends only has one first-round prospect, but the depth is there for the Bengals to be interested in a pass-catching option.
Michael Trigg was named the best receiving tight end on our latest big board. Jack Endries put together versatile film in stops at Cal and Texas while Eli Raridon is the latest Notre Dame NFL tight end prospect.
Cleveland Browns
8 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bills Browns Football")
Surprising Need: Tight End
Potential Targets
The Browns essentially chose Harold Fannin over David Njoku this offseason. Releasing Chief cleared precious cap space and Fannin's rookie season gave them justification to make that move.
They followed it up by adding Blake Whiteheart and Jack Stoll to the room.
While Stoll is a solid blocking option, Todd Monken just got done coaching a team that had Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. He knows how to get two dynamic tight ends involved in the offense.
Drafting another one might not be at the top of the priority list, but it would help whoever is playing quarterback next season.
Max Klare is used to doing the dirty work of the position. He transferred to Ohio State and was asked to do a lot without getting a ton of targets. Sam Roush and Oscar Delp are considerably further down our big board, but they both have the potential to become strong blockers and reliable pass catchers.
Adding a long-term running mate for Fannin in 12 personnel sets is an under-the-radar need that could diversify the Browns offense.
Dallas Cowboys
9 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Vikings Cowboys Football")
Surprising Need: Wide Receiver
Potential Targets
The Cowboys have guaranteed themselves at least one more season of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. It was a problem for defenses last season and it figures to be an even bigger problem with another offseason to dial things in.
The prospect of the Cowboys using one of their two first-round picks on a receiver would be surprising, but it would also put the rest of the league's defenses on notice.
There are bigger needs on the board, but the reality is that Pickens is on the franchise tag. The Cowboys might not be able to afford keeping him long term and giving Prescott three receivers who can beat man coverage could be a cheat code to relevance.
They probably don't pick early enough to consider Carnell Tate or Jordyn Tyson, but Makai Lemon would be a dangerous slot weapon. Kevin Concepcion's speed would also be a problem with those on the outside.
However, Omar Cooper Jr. is the one that the Cowboys brought in for a top-30 visit. That doesn't always mean a team is interested, but his willingness to do the dirty work while also being a viable downfield threat would make him an ideal fit with Pickens and Lamb.
Denver Broncos
10 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Broncos Raiders Football")
Surprising Need: Offensive Tackle
Potential Targets
The Broncos are in a position where they want to future-proof their roster and extend their current contention window.
That means securing protection for Bo Nix beyond what 33-year-old Garett Bolles and 31-year-old Mike McGlinchey might be able to provide. Both are assets on the line right now, but the Broncos would be wise to add an understudy.
Max Iheanachor fits the bill for what Sean Payton has looked for in tackles before. He's a bit raw, but is athleticism at 6'6", 321 pounds is hard to come by. He would be an ideal addition to add now and watch him blossom into a starter down the line.
Slightly further down the draft board Jude Bowry and Austin Barber are similar prospects.
Barber is another solid athletic projection. He impressed at the combine with a 32" vertical and 9'3" broad jump at 6'6", 318 pounds. Any of these players would give Payton a tackle-in-waiting to build as a replacement for either Bolles or McGlinchey down the line.
Detroit Lions
11 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Lions Commanders Football")
Surprising Need: Tight End
Potential Targets
The Detroit Lions appear to be set at tight end on first glance. Sam LaPorta leads a group that already includes Brock Wright and they signed Tyler Conklin. It's a strong trio for a team that likes to have multiple tight ends on the field.
The only caveat is that all three of them are set to become free agents next season. Logic would make LaPorta a priority extension candidate. However, paying him might mean they need to add depth through the draft.
This year's class has a lot of interesting prospects on Day 3, where the Lions have the draft capital to take a swing on a prospect.
All three of these tight end prospects can find NFL roles as blockers. With LaPorta taking the lion's share of receiving duties, Detroit could be looking to add versatile tight ends who excel as blockers to replace Wright and Conklin in the coming seasons.
Green Bay Packers
12 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Packers Broncos Football")
Surprising Need: Running Back
Potential Targets
Josh Jacobs is still the man in Green Bay. There's no denying that, but we saw him slow down a bit last season as he missed two games and the Packers gave some of the workload to Emanuel Wilson.
Wilson took his talents to Seattle in free agency this offseason, leaving some doubt as to what the running back hierarchy will look like in Green Bay.
Ideally, MarShawn Lloyd will finally get a chance to shine. However, he's played just one game since the Packers drafted him in 2024 due to various injuries. Given how important age and health are at the position, the Packers might feel the need to add a dynamic talent to the backfield.
Noah Whittington would be an interesting add. He's a well-rounded prospect who can serve as a do-it-all backup.
Eli Heidenreich doesn't necessarily have a clean projection. He could wind up being a slot receiver or running back and Matt LaFleur is the kind of offensive mind that could figure out the best way to use him.
Roman Hemby is a little more straightforward. He's a one-cut runner who would excel in the Packers zone run game and take some of the burden from Jacobs.
Houston Texans
13 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bills Texans Football")
Surprising Need: Edge
Potential Targets
The Texans have one of the best edge-rushing tandems in the league in Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The two combined for 27 sacks last season and were both named All-Pros.
The problem is that there isn't much depth behind them and Hunter is now a 31-year-old edge-rusher with a herniated disc and torn pectoral muscle on his injury history.
The Texans will soon have to pay Anderson too. He's entering the fourth-year of his rookie contract. They'll be able to retain him on his fifth-year option in 2027, but he'll only get more expensive.
The Texans added Dominique Robinson in free agency, but that's not enough to build the kind of depth they need. The Texans should be on the lookout for bigger, stronger edge-rushers who can set the edge and potentially develop into a third pass-rusher.
These potential targets all fit the archetype, but will come at different price points. Zion Young could sneak into the first round. That's probably too rich for the Texans, but his competitiveness and ability to set the edge could be enticing.
Dennis-Sutton is a name to keep an eye on.
"Dani Dennis-Sutton looks like he was built in a lab to play in the NFL. At 6'5", 265 pounds with long arms, he has the size and length for the position, with plenty of strength to be a quality run-defender and solid power-rusher," Matt Holder wrote in his scouting report.
Indianapolis Colts
14 of 32.jpg?w=684 "49ers Colts Football")
Surprising Need: Running Back
Potential Targets
The Colts only have two picks in the top 100 so they'll need to make the most of their selections. While positions like linebacker, edge-rusher and wide receiver have dominated Indianapolis draft talk, they're in a position to look at running back as well.
Jonathan Taylor had nearly 2,000 total yards and 20 touchdowns so the idea of using one of those picks on a running back might not be popular. But this isn't about 2026, it's about 2027 and beyond.
Taylor is set to play the final year of his current contract in 2026. At that point, he'll likely be a 28-year-old back with over 1,800 career carries. It's the sad reality that the Colts need to have a contingency plan at the position.
Drafting a back they trust to help carry the load could extend Taylor's prime and provide financial flexibility if extension talks don't go well.
Emmett Johnson would be a nice combination of value and price. He's ranked fifth among the backs on our big board and has the potential to be a team's top runner.
Here's B/R scout Dame Parson on one of his greatest strengths:
"Johnson is a creative runner with run discipline to stay on the design run path for positive yards. He is a dangerous back because he will take what the offensive line blocks/creates, but has the elusiveness and electric footwork to create for himself. He possesses a twitchy lower half and will string together cuts to jump cut outside the tackle box into the open field."
Jacksonville Jaguars
15 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Titans Jaguars Football")
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
On the surface, the Jaguars have the interior pretty much figured out. Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey and Patrick Mekari all return as starters and 2025 third-round pick Wyatt Milum is around as depth.
The problem is that Ezra Cleveland is a 2027 free agent. Mekari ranked 68th out of 79 guards graded by PFF last season and Hainsey was 24th among all centers.
The Jaguars have other needs who have had more press, but the bottom line is that they could use an upgrade inside.
The Jaguars don't have a first round selection so Olaivavega Ioane is probably off the board. However, there could be a conversation about Chase Bisontis.
"Chase Bisontis is a light-footed guard prospect who creates quick leverage and has good balance to stay centered, sustain and steer blocks. Bisontis needs to clean up his positional leverage to not open too early or lean into blocks but has the movement and recovery skills to start as a rookie and develop into a quality starter within his first contract," Brandon Thorn noted.
Bisontis could push Mekari as a rookie and make Ezra Cleveland expendable after the 2027 season if they add him.
Kansas City Chiefs
16 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Chargers Chiefs Football")
Surprising Need: Linebacker
Potential Targets
The Chiefs have clear needs along the defensive line and it would be shocking if they didn't draft at least one cornerback. But the reality is that their depth across the defense has taken a hit.
That's the cost of having an elite unit. Losing Leo Chenal in free agency is the kind of thing that doesn't seem like a big deal because they still have Nick Bolton and Drue Tranquill, but others are going to have to step up.
Last year's fifth-round pick Jeffrey Bassa could be part of the puzzle, but the Chiefs could feel like they have to add to the room.
Golday boasts a similar draft grade to Bolton when he was coming out of Missouri. B/R scout Matt Holder believes that many of Golday's shortcomings could be ironed out with experience.
"Jake Golday is a high-level athlete and a potential three-down linebacker in the NFL because of his size (6'4", 240 lbs), strength and athleticism. His biggest flaws can be chalked up to not having much experience playing off the ball."
Jacob Rodriguez is undersized, but was one of the most productive defenders in college football last season. But his measurables are nearly identical to Tranquill.
Las Vegas Raiders
17 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Chiefs Raiders Football")
Surprising Need: Running Back
Potential Targets
Ashton Jeanty is set up to do big things in Klint Kubiak's offense. Let's get that out of the way. But the fact remains that Kubiak is just coming from a position where he got to utilize both Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet.
As it stands, the Raiders just don't have a second running back who can take some of the load off Jeanty's plate. If the Raiders want to maximize Jeanty's explosiveness, they need a back who can help manage the workload throughout the season.
The good news is that the Raiders have a ton of draft picks (10) so they can afford to take a complementary back with one of them.
Ideally, they'd be able to find a thumper who can execute some of the between-the-tackles work. Emmett Johnson might be a little more than that. His explosiveness would give Fernando Mendoza two home run threats to hand the ball to.
Even settling for Jonah Coleman a little further down our big board would raise the offense's ceiling. His biggest weakness is that he doesn't necessarily have home run speed, but the Raiders already have a back with that.
The 5'8", 220-pound wrecking ball would provide pass protection and interior run chops that the Raiders kind of need.
Los Angeles Chargers
18 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Texans Chargers Football")
Surprising Need: Safety
Potential Targets
The Chargers have primary needs on both the offensive and defensive lines. So it will be widely assumed that a Jim Harbaugh-coached team is going to go after those needs aggressively in the draft.
However, there's a creeping need at safety that could wind up on the board in the first round.
Derwin James has just one year left on his contract. Tony Jefferson is 34 years old and Elijah Molden took a step back last season.
That could make the Chargers a sneaky home for either Emmanuel McNeil-Warren or Dillon Thieneman in the first round. Neither are graded as highly as Caleb Downs, but both carry first-round grades.
New defensive coordinator Chris O'Leary has served as a safeties coach before so he could love the versatility that Thieneman brings to the table.
"Dillon Theineman's versatile skillset is being underrated as a true three-down impact defender in the NFL. He can line up anywhere, triggers downhill in a hurry, and gives the coaching staff his all whenever he's on the field. The effort shows up in every phase," B/R scout Daniel Harms noted in his scouting report.
He's the kind of player who could have the Chargers breaking their typical lineman-first philosophy.
Los Angeles Rams
19 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Cardinals Football")
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
The Rams have a really strong interior trio on the offensive line so it doesn't look like an immediate need. Kevin Dotson (right guard), Coleman Shelton (center) and Steve Avila (left guard) are all good starters with familiarity in Sean McVay's offense.
All three are also set to play the final year of their contract in 2026.
According to Spotrac, Dotson ($19 million) and Avila ($17.6 million) have market values that would suggest they are going to be expensive to keep around. Considering Byron Young and Kobie Turner are also set to hit free agency, the Rams might be looking for a succession plan for at least one guard spot.
That could have them looking at the position as early as the second round if Chase Bistonis is still on the board at 61.
Brandon Thorn believes the athletic guard has the potential to be a quality starter within his first contract.
"Chase Bisontis is a light-footed guard prospect who creates quick leverage and has good balance to stay centered, sustain and steer blocks. Bisontis needs to clean up his positional leverage to not open too early or lean into blocks but has the movement and recovery skills to start as a rookie and develop into a quality starter within his first contract," Thorn noted.
Taking a guard might raise some eyebrows, but it would be a shrewd move to stay a year ahead of an important need.
Miami Dolphins
20 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Bills Dolphins Football")
Surprising Need: Linebacker
Potential Targets
The Dolphins are the epitome of a team at the beginning of a rebuild. They cut just about every former star on the roster and have needs at all the premium positions.
Given their veteran pair of linebackers in Tyrel Dodson and Jordyn Brooks, it would be understandable if the Dolphins took care of needs at wide receiver, edge, cornerback and offensive tackle first.
But it's worth noting Dodson and Brooks are both free agents in 2027 and new defensive coordinator Sean Duggan is a former linebacker coach.
Miami has six picks in the top 100 of the draft this season. It would actually make sense for them to use one of them on an athletic linebacker who can be the future in the middle of their defense.
This year's class has several options behind Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles at the top.
CJ Allen might be taken a bit too high for their liking, but Jake Golday would be a sneaky-good pick to take the lead in a season or two.
"Jake Golday is a high-level athlete and a potential three-down linebacker in the NFL because of his size (6'4", 240 lbs), strength and athleticism," Matt Holder wrote in his scouting report. "His biggest flaws can be chalked up to not having much experience playing off the ball."
Going to South Beach with a one-year runway to become a starter seems like a mutually beneficial scenario for both parties.
Minnesota Vikings
21 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Packers Vikings Football")
Surprising Need: Linebacker
Potential Targets
The Vikings could completely ignore the off-ball linebacker position and be fine for the 2026 season. Blake Cashman, Eric Wilson and Ivan Pace Jr. are a good enough trio that Minnesota's front office could use their draft resources elsewhere.
But they would also be ignoring the reality that Cashman and Pace are both free agents in 2027 and Wilson is 31.
The good news is that Brian Flores does a good job of getting production out of linebackers who might not be prototypical size for the position. All three of these targets could be had later in the draft, but would make sense in the Vikings defensive scheme.
Rodriguez would be an especially fun fit given his knack for forcing turnovers in an already chaotic defensive system.
"Jacob Rodriguez was hands-down the best linebacker in college football this season. The Butkus Award winner is a turnover machine with impressive instincts as a run defender. However, he lacks NFL length/size (listed at 6'1", 235 pounds) and traits to be a high-level prospect in the 2026 draft class," B/R scout Matt Holder noted.
New England Patriots
22 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Patriots Titans Football")
Surprising Need: Interior Offensive Line
Potential Targets
The Patriots signed Alijah Vera-Tucker and probably solidified their starting interior trio in the process. Vera-Tucker should man the left guard spot with Jared Wilson at center and Mike Onwenu playing right guard.
But that's not going to be sufficient if the Patriots are serious about protecting Drake Maye. Onwenu heads to free agency next season, Vera-Tucker has a long injury history and Wilson hasn't quite earned the distinction of long-term starter.
Ideally, they would be able to add a tough, physical guard who can be versatile enough to be a utility option before becoming a starter in the next year or two.
Keylan Rutledge and Gennings Dunker both fit the mold as bigger, more imposing guards. But Brian Parker II is also a good fit for the fact that he could have center and guard potential.
Here's what B/R scout Brandon Thorn had to say about him:
"Brian Parker II is a hard-nosed, athletic blocker with strong hands and excellent competitive toughness. His sawed-off frame and below average play strength will cap his ceiling as a pro, projecting him as high-quality swing interior backup with starter upside at center."
New Orleans Saints
23 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Cardinals Saints Football")
Surprising Need: Safety
Potential Targets
Looking across the mock draft landscape and you're bound to a few popular selections for the Saints. Edge-rushers David Bailey and Rueben Bain are often choices. Carnell Tate is another.
That checks out. Receiver and edge-rusher are among their top needs, but the Saints penchant for drafting Ohio State Buckeyes might lead them to fill an under-the-radar need in New Orleans: Caleb Downs at safety.
The Saints are ok at safety as it stands. Justin Reid is a reliable veteran starter while Julian Blackmon is good when healthy and Jonas Sanker hasn't hit his ceiling.
The question is whether that safety room is good enough to exclude Caleb Downs from first-pick consideration. The answer is no.
"Caleb Downs is the single best prospect for the 2026 draft cycle. With his experience in Matt Patricia's defense, he's going to hit the ground running for whatever NFL team drafts him," B/R scout Daniel Harms predicted in his scouting report.
With Blackmon and backups Jordan Howden and Terrell Burgess all set to become free agents in 2027 the Saints could even consider adding to the room later in the draft. Zakee Wheatley and Kamari Ramsey would be intriguing long-term fits.
New York Giants
24 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Eagles Giants Football")
Surprising Need: Edge-Rusher
Potential Targets
The Giants using one of their first three picks on an edge-rusher would be shocking at first, but there are a few reasons why it could actually make sense.
For one, you can never have too many players who can get after the quarterback. Overwhelming the opposing offense with pressure is one of the easiest ways to be a dominant defense and bringing in another player on a roster that already has Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux would certainly qualify.
The actual reason to draft an edge-rusher is Thibodeaux's contract situation. ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported in early March that league execs expected the Giants to trade Thibodeaux sometime this offseason. He's set to become a free agent this season and will likely price himself out of New York.
As good as Burns and Carter are, Thibodeaux still played 72 percent of the defensive snaps. Drafting any of these three pass-rushing specialists would give the Giants a dynamic third rusher and facilitate a Thibodeaux trade elsewhere.
New York Jets
25 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Jets Patriots Football")
Surprising Need: Defensive Line
Potential Targets
The Jets added T'Vondre Sweat via trade and signed David Onyemata so they've already made big moves to reinforce the defensive interior.
However, Sweat is a pure nose tackle and David Onyemata is only on a one-year deal. Harrison Phillips and Jowon Briggs will join him as free agents next offseason.
Aaron Glenn has spoken about wanting to be more multiple with the defensive fronts. That requires a versatile group of defensive tackles.
So while the Jets have important needs at cornerback, wide receiver and quarterback, it shouldn't be that shocking to see them add another interior defender. Keldric Faulk and Kayden McDonald could be surprising targets with either the 16th or 33rd overall pick.
LT Overton could wind up being a steal. He has slowly fallen down the big board since the beginning of the college football season, but there's still solid traits to work with and he lined up all over the defensive line at Alabama.
Matt Holder praised the defensive lineman for being "strong and physical at the point of attack to stand up offensive tackles and get extension on blocks. Good at shedding blocks, too."
Those are the kind of things that Glenn will be willing to work with if the Jets want prepare the position for the future.
Philadelphia Eagles
26 of 32.jpg?w=684 "49ers Eagles Football")
Surprising Need: Defensive Line
Potential Targets
Jordan Davis, Jalen Carter and Moro Ojomo form a young, dynamic core of defensive tackles in Philadelphia. The problem is that it's getting to be decision time on their long-term futures.
Davis inked a three-year, $78 million extension. So the nose tackle is staying. However, Moro Ojomo and Jalen Carter are both set to hit free agency in 2027, and it's hard to see Philly affording both.
That could set the Eagles up to take a replacement a year ahead despite other needs on the roster.
Of course, we can't discount them taking an explosive defensive tackle from Georgia. Christen Miller is the latest from the pipeline and Howie Roseman loves his Georgia Bulldogs.
Caleb Banks is a 6'6", 330-pound anomaly that matches the Eagles profile of explosive athletes on the interior. Meanwhile, Durant is a later dice roll whose absurd athletic testing could get Roseman's attention.
Pittsburgh Steelers
27 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Texans Steelers Football")
Surprising Need: Cornerback
Potential Targets
The Steelers decision to sign Jamel Dean to a three-year, $36.8 million contract might wipe cornerback off the board as a need in the 2026 draft. Dean should slot in the starting lineup across from Joey Porter Jr.
How long that arrangement can last is in question, though. As good as Dean has been he is going to turn 30 in October and the structure of the contract allows the Steelers to cut him to clear $8 million in cap space next offseason.
That's not really a three-year commitment by NFL bookkeeping standards.
Jalen Ramsey has moved to safety and Asante Samuel Jr.'s only signed a one-year contract. Cory Trice hasn't stepped up to the plate when given the opportunity.
Despite the move the Steelers made this offseason, they could still take a swing on a high-ceiling cornerback prospect. All three of these targets fit that bill.
"Brandon Cisse has exceptional lateral and downhill explosion that he uses to trigger on perimeter runs/screens and maintain sticky man coverage. The willingness and physicality to jam in press coverage give him multiple tools to be a menace as a boundary corner," Daniel Harms wrote in his scouting report for B/R.
Drafting a corner could give the Steelers an answer at an important position beyond 2026.
San Francisco 49ers
28 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Seahawks 49ers Football")
Surprising Need: Linebacker
Potential Targets
The 49ers currently have nine off-ball linebackers on the roster so it would be pretty easy to dismiss the idea of them drafting one. Except five of those linebackers are 2027 free agents.
Garrett Wallow and Dee Winters are among those future free agents. If the Niners were confident in their ability to be starters, it doesn't seem like signing Dre Greenlaw to a one-year contract would have been a necessary move this offseason.
The looming exodus of backers could cause the Niners to take a look at some Day 3 options if they feel they could have a long-term starter in the mix.
Anthony Hill Jr. would be the ideal scenario. He's the most athletic of the bunch and his ceiling is high. At 6'5", Lander Barton has a different build than most of the backers on the roster right now, he can be disruptive in coverage.
Justin Jefferson fits the mold of the undersized athlete they've targeted before. He drew a comparison to Jamien Sherwood from B/R scout Matt Holder in his scouting report.
Seattle Seahawks
29 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Rams Seahawks Football")
Surprising Need: Defensive Tackle
Potential Targets
The Seahawks have just four picks in the draft this season. They have pressing needs at running back, cornerback and edge-rusher, but they could be inclined to add an interior defender as well.
Leonard Williams and Brandon Pili are set to become free agents in 2027. Williams will obviously be a priority re-signing, but the Seahawks might want to use one of those four picks to add a player who could be ready to be in the rotation by next season.
Darrell Jackson Jr. could be a target with the 96th pick. The Florida State defensive lineman has the size at 6'5", 315 pounds and B/R's Matt Holder credits him for being, "strong and violent at the point of attack when taking on blocks against the run."
That's something that Mike Macdonald is bound to like and Jackson would give the Sehawks flexibility moving along the defensive line moving forward.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
30 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Buccaneers Dolphins Football")
Surprising Need: Wide Receiver
Potential Targets
The Buccaneers have spent their fair share of draft capital on receivers recently. They took Emeka Egbuka in the first round and Tez Johnson in the seventh after taking Jalen McMillan in the third round the year prior.
When we're talking about draft needs for the Bucs, it's usually the defense that gets the attention.
However, the Buccaneers offense is also hitting a tipping point. Baker Mayfield has just one year left on his contract and they'll be dealing with losing Mike Evans. Chris Godwin is still on the roster, but his injury history and age (30) make it hard to count on him.
There are a few big-bodied receivers who could balance out the receiver room.
Malachi Fields and Denzel Boston could both be options in the second round.
"Malachi Fields is a talented playmaker who fits the profile of a prototypical X-receiver," Damian Parsons noted in his scouting report. "The combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a difficult receiver to defend."
There are more pressing issues, but the Bucs could still wind up opting to load up their receiver room with another young, affordable option to build around.
Tennessee Titans
31 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Saints Titans Football")
Surprising Need: Safety
Potential Targets
The Titans have a lot of directions they could go with the fourth overall pick, but they might also be the first team who should consider Caleb Downs. A need for a productive edge-rusher or a dynamic playmaker is going to make other options more popular for mock draft.
However, the safety room is largely unsettled in Tennessee.
Amani Hooker is the veteran of the group and they signed Tony Adams, but none are so good that drafting Downs shouldn't be a consideration. Even if the Titans go another direction they could circle back for a safety in the third round where either Kamari Ramsey or A.J. Haulcy could make sense.
B/R scout Daniel Harms describes Haulcy as a safety who looks like a linebacker.
"AJ Haulcy looks like a linebacker playing safety, but his zone instincts and impressive downhill click and close speed give him a unique skillset at the top of defenses. Best as a split-field safety or robber, he operates quickly and efficiently, moving toward the line of scrimmage with great instincts and play development eyes."
He could be the kind of tone-setter that brings the attitude Robert Saleh wants the defense to have.
Washington Commanders
32 of 32.jpg?w=684 "Commanders Vikings Football")
Surprising Need: Backup Quarterback
Potential Targets
The Commanders learned firsthand how important the backup quarterback position is last year. When Jayden Daniels went down they had to have both Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson start games.
Given Daniels' playstyle, it's likely that the Commanders backup quarterback position will come in to play again.
They have Marcus Mariota under contract for one more season, but he's 34 and the athleticism is waning. Ideally, the Commanders could develop a backup who can execute some of the quarterback run game that is built in to Washington's system for Daniels.
Cole Payton and Taylen Green are the two most athletic quarterbacks in the class. Green could become a Daniels facsimile the Commanders could turn to for a spot start during his rookie contract.
Here's B/R scout Dame Parson on what he brings to the table:
"A creative NFL play-caller would be wise to feature some designed QB runs in the offensive game plan with Green in the lineup. He already has experience with QB counter, power, veer, and zone reads. More room to grow can be found as a decision-maker and limiting his "hero ball" tendencies. But Green's stature and physical abilities are worth dedicating the time to develop."
Quarterback is obviously not a pressing need, but the Commanders utilizing a pick on Green could be a sneaky way to protect against Daniels' injuries in the future.
.jpg?w=480 "NFL Draft Football")
.jpg?w=480 "Texans Giants Football")
.JPEG?w=480 "Super Bowl Football")
.jpg?w=600 "NFL Draft's Biggest Gambles 🎲")
.jpg?w=600 "Mel Kiper's Lowest Draft Grades ❌")
