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B/R Expert NFL Power Rankings for Every Team After the 2026 NFL Draft
The 2026 NFL draft is officially complete, from Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza going No. 1 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders to Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock earning this year's "Mr. Irrelevant" label with the final selection at No. 257 by the Denver Broncos.
Over the rest of the weekend, dozens more hopefuls learned they would get a shot in the league by signing as undrafted free agents.
There will be another wave of free agency now as teams look to finish patching holes in the roster, but for the most part, we know what the NFL teams will look like in 2026.
Some have undergone major overhauls over the past few months, while others have rounded off some rough edges. Right now, though, every NFL fanbase is filled with optimism, confident their favorite squad made themselves better in free agency and the draft.
Of course, some teams have more room for optimism than others—for every team that takes a step forward in 2026, there will be another that slides back.
Now that the festivities in Pittsburgh are concluded, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to determine who is on the rise and who is in decline by ranking all 32 NFL teams from worst to first.
Where we're starting off shouldn't surprise anyone.
32. Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins' draft class raises some concerns.
Nick Saban, Kadyn Proctor's former college head coach, told The Pat McAfee Show that he's not a self-starter and questioned his drive to stay in shape in the offseason.
Although the ex-Alabama coach also said the offensive tackle is talented, his criticisms are red flags over the Dolphins' first-rounder.
Aside from that, the Dolphins passed on wide receivers in the first two rounds. Malik Willis will be throwing to Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell and Malik Washington until rookies Caleb Douglas and Chris Bell are up to speed.
If you love mock drafts, Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith seems like a lock for the Dolphins in 2027, unless they take a quarterback. -- Moton
31. Arizona Cardinals
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Arizona still has a long way to go. The Cardinals' roster easily places them in the conversation as the league's worst team. Mike LaFleur comes in as head coach, and he'll have some time to build the team in his image.
The problem starts at quarterback, though. Jacoby Brissett is a bridge option at best. No one should rely on recent third-round pick Carson Beck to emerge as a franchise option.
Some legitimate talent can be found on this roster and the Cards will likely lean heavily on this year's fourth overall pick, Jeremiyah Love, to define the team's identity.
Still, far more is needed to make the team legitimately competitive. -- Sobleski
30. New York Jets
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The New York Jets acquired Geno Smith from the Las Vegas Raiders and used two of their three first-round picks on pass-catchers, tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr.
Gang Green should be better than last year, and Smith will play behind a better offensive line than he had in Las Vegas. Determined to reestablish himself as a viable starter, the quarterback will uplift an offense that finished with the fourth-fewest points and yards in 2025.
The Jets won't be a playoff team, but they'll be closer to .500 this year. -- Moton
29. Cleveland Browns
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For the Cleveland Browns, everything hinges on the QB competition between Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel yielding a functional starter.
The Browns have a quality defense—led by new NFL sack king Myles Garrett—and they did a terrific job of addressing offensive needs in the offseason.
Cleveland completely rebuild an offensive line that was a massive liability in 2025. Headlined by Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins, and rookie Spencer Fano, the O-line may be all-new across the board. The team also boosted a lackluster receiving corps by adding KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston.
If the new pieces gel quickly, the Browns should have a fairly complete roster, aside from the quarterback position, which will make or break the upcoming season. -- Knox
28. Tennessee Titans
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Tennessee deserves a bump in the rankings based solely on the franchise's uniform glow-up. The days of the Houston Oilers may be long gone, but that look is timeless.
All joking aside, the Titans have significantly improved their roster, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, where multiple former Robert Saleh players decided to join him in the Music City.
Furthermore, the organization provided second-year quarterback Cam Ward with two new threats at wide receiver in Wan'Dale Robinson and this year's first-round pick, Carnell Tate. -- Sobleski
27. New York Giants
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In theory, the addition of head coach John Harbaugh will make the New York Giants a more formidable force in the NFC East.
Harbaugh's Baltimore Ravens teams weren't always elite, but they were typically in the playoff conversation.
On paper, New York's roster is better, too, though the loss of Dexter Lawrence will be felt. Arvell Reese has the potential to be a special defender. Isaiah Likely, Darnell Mooney, Francis Mauigoa and Malachi Fields give Jaxson Dart a much-improved supporting cast.
The question is whether Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers will return from injury and be at 100 percent early in the year. It also remains to be seen if Harbaugh can convince Dart to protect himself.
If the Giants can avoid significant injury issues, they can push for playoff contention. -- Knox
26. Washington Commanders
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The Washington Commanders are positioned to rebound from a disappointing and injury-plagued 2025 campaign.
The Commanders have taken significant steps to improve a defense that ranked dead last in yards allowed last season. They hired a new defensive coordinator in Daronte Jones and added the likes of Odafe Oweh, Nick Cross, K'Lavon Chaisson, Tim Settle, and rookie first-round pick Sonny Styles.
Despite adding Rachaad White, Jerome Ford and Antonio Williams, Washington could use more depth at running back and receiver. However, the offense should be just fine if Jayden Daniels can stay healthy in 2026. -- Knox
25. Las Vegas Raiders
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Mendoza-mania has arrived in Las Vegas.
To the surprise of no one, the Raiders made Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza the first pick in the draft.
The Indiana product told reporters he's ready to get to work.
"It's a huge responsibility but also a huge honor," Mendoza said. "The Raiders are a historic franchise and one of the faces of the NFL, and I feel like, again, I need to prove it and earn it every single day."
The Raiders made other improvements this offseason on both sides of the ball, but passing-game weapons for Mendoza (or veteran Kirk Cousins) remain an issue—the team has one of the best tight ends in the game in Brock Bowers and added Jalen Nailor in free agency, but Las Vegas isn't loaded with weapons.
Look for Cousins to open the season as the starter. There's no reason to rush Mendoza out there for a team that still has work to do on both sides of the ball. -- Davenport
24. Atlanta Falcons
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The Atlanta Falcons must sort out their quarterback situation as Michael Penix Jr. recovers from knee surgery and Tua Tagovailoa adjusts to new scenery.
General manager Ian Cunningham didn't endorse Penix as the starter, which leaves the door open for a training camp competition.
New head coach Kevin Stefanski had a track record of fielding productive ground attacks in his last year as the Minnesota Vikings' offensive coordinator and first two seasons leading the Cleveland Browns.
Regardless of who starts under center, the Falcons will go as far as Bijan Robinson takes them. -- Moton
23. Minnesota Vikings
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We can talk about what the Minnesota Vikings did in free agency, even if they made only one truly major addition.
We can also talk about how a team still operating without a permanent general manager went all-in on defense in the draft, using four of its picks over the first two days to fortify a unit that ranked third in the league last season—headlined by first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks.
But whether or not the Vikings climb out of the NFC North basement in 2026 is going to come down to how that one major free-agent addition pans out.
The Vikings will no doubt talk up a quarterback competition this summer, but it will be an upset if Kyler Murray isn't the starter in Week 1 over J.J. McCarthy.
The question then becomes whether Kevin O'Connell can highlight Murray's strengths and get the 2019 first overall pick playing like the signal-caller who made two Pro Bowls earlier in his career.
If O'Connell can do that, this team could be dangerous. -- Davenport
22. New Orleans Saints
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Don't sleep on the New Orleans Saints. Buy stock in them now.
They won four of their last five outings with quarterback Tyler Shough playing well in the second half of the season. New Orleans brought in players who can make an immediate impact on offense, which bodes well for the young signal-caller's development.
New Orleans signed running back Travis Etienne Jr. and guard David Edwards in free agency. They will balance the offense on the ground. Wideout Jordyn Tyson could be one of the most productive rookies if he stays healthy.
The Saints are an ascending team that will shock people this year. -- Moton
21. Indianapolis Colts
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The Colts held things together this offseason by re-signing quarterback Daniel Jones and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
On paper, the team's pass rush and linebackers should be better than what was seen on the field last season after adding free agents Arden Key and Micheal Clemons along with second-round draft pick CJ Allen.
As long as Jones' recovery from last year's Achilles tear doesn't take longer than expected, Indianapolis can be closer to the team that began the 2025 campaign than the version that finished it. -- Sobleski
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
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The Pittsburgh Steelers are certainly operating as if Aaron Rodgers will return and lead another playoff run in 2026. They've maintained an older defensive roster while working to improve their offensive supporting cast.
Pittsburgh traded for Michael Pittman Jr., signed Rico Dowdle, drafted Germie Bernard, and added Max Iheanachor and Gennings Dunker to its offensive line. If Rodgers does return, he'll be in a better situation than he was a year ago.
If the 42-year-old doesn't return, it will be Mason Rudolph, Will Howard or rookie Drew Allar at quarterback.
The other big question is whether new head coach Mike McCarthy will steer the ship as effectively as Mike Tomlin did for nearly two decades.
This season could either deliver Pittsburgh's first playoff win in a decade or be a bona fide calamity, depending on Rodgers' decision and McCarthy's leadership. -- Knox
19. Cincinnati Bengals
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The Cincinnati Bengals are clearly concerned about the possibility of alienating Joe Burrow. The traditionally frugal franchise paid big to keep his top receivers a year ago and took a proactive approach to building its defense this offseason.
Cincinnati added veteran defenders who should make an immediate impact, including Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook. Of course, trading the 10th overall pick for Dexter Lawrence was the bold move that signaled the Bengals are serious about winning now.
They can be playoff contenders with even an average defense, but they'll have to protect Burrow and have him healthy to be a legitimate postseason threat.
If Cincinnati's playoff drought continues, expect Burrow to want out and for Zac Taylor to be out. -- Knox
18. Carolina Panthers
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The Carolina Panthers needed to be aggressive with their offseason acquisitions to build on a division-winning season. They'll probably need to be better than 8-9 to win the NFC South this year.
Based on its depth chart, Carolina looks like a better team, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
The Panthers signed edge-rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. They also added one of the top defensive tackles in this year's draft, Lee Hunter.
If quarterback Bryce Young struggles to take the next step in his development, Carolina's defense should be able to close games. -- Moton
17. Dallas Cowboys
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The Dallas Cowboys wisely focused on defense early in the draft. Caleb Downs was arguably the best player in the draft, and he'll bring an All-Pro-caliber presence to the team's secondary.
The Cowboys improved their pass rush, trading for Rashan Gary and adding developmental prospects in Malachi Lawrence and Jaishawn Barham. Dallas still has some questions at cornerback, but it will be better on defense than it was in 2025.
If the Cowboys have even an average defense, they'll be back in the playoff mix this season. An offense that ranked second overall last season remains largely intact. -- Knox
16. Kansas City Chiefs
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It has been a long time since the Kansas City Chiefs picked this high in the NFL draft. The last time they were near the top of the board, they held the No. 1 overall pick in 2013.
The Chiefs traded up this year to select cornerback Mansoor Delane, a welcome addition to a team that traded Trent McDuffie and lost Jaylen Watson in free agency. The team added a second first-rounder in the McDuffie deal and also used it on defense, adding some beef up front in Clemson's Peter Woods.
Both are solid additions, but it's no mystery what the overriding storyline will be in Kansas City this summer: Can quarterback Patrick Mahomes rebound from his ACL tear and get the Chiefs right back into the mix in the AFC, or are their days of dominating the conference over? -- Davenport
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense isn't going to look the same without wideout Mike Evans, but Emeka Egbuka showed enough flashes to prove he's ready for a lead role.
However, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan must stay healthy to complement him in the passing attack. Rookie third-rounder Ted Hurst could make big plays, while Tez Johnson moves the chains.
Nonetheless, the big question is whether Zac Robinson will evolve as a play-caller after a couple of inconsistent years with the Atlanta Falcons. He's familiar with Baker Mayfield from their time together with the Los Angeles Rams, but the 39-year-old offensive coordinator has to figure out how to maximize the team's talent. -- Moton
14. Baltimore Ravens
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Only time will tell if replacing John Harbaugh with Jesse Minter was the right call for the Baltimore Ravens. On paper, though, Baltimore is equipped to again contend in the AFC North.
Losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency hurt, but first-round rookie Olaivavega Ioane will help reload the interior offensive line. Trey Hendrickson will boost a sagging pass rush, while Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt add much-needed receiver depth.
If Minter can get more out of a defense that ranked 24th overall last season and Lamar Jackson can stay healthy, the Ravens should again be one of the AFC's top contenders. -- Knox
13. Detroit Lions
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After going 15-2 and earning the NFC's No. 1 seed in 2024, the Lions regressed badly in 2025, missing the playoffs altogether. This offseason was all about getting Detroit back in the postseason tournament.
The Lions spent their first pick in this year's draft on tackle Blake Miller, who will likely man the right side of the line while Penei Sewell moves to left tackle to replace the departed Taylor Decker. Michigan man Derrick Moore was drafted on Day 2 to provide some pop on the edge opposite Aidan Hutchinson.
This Lions team isn't markedly different from last year's squad. But that team was better than its record. The Lions have weapons galore on offense, and if they can get some improvement on defense Detroit will absolutely be in the thick of the chase for the NFC North title. -- Davenport
12. Green Bay Packers
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The Green Bay Packers made the playoffs last year, but it was a disappointing run to the postseason—they lost their last four regular-season games and got bounced by the rival Bears in the Wild Card Round.
Green Bay's biggest boost this year may simply come from getting healthy. Tight end Tucker Kraft was having a breakout season before tearing his ACL, and the team mortgaged its future last year to obtain edge-rusher Micah Parsons only to see him suffer the same injury.
Green Bay didn't have a first-round pick this year, but they focused their other selections on defense—three straight picks on that side of the ball in cornerback Brandon Cisse, defensive lineman Chris McClellan and edge-rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton.
The Packers have the talent on both sides of the ball to contend in the NFC North. But on paper at least, they are the No. 3 team in the division. They need to stay healthy this year and have some young players step up. -- Davenport
11. Los Angeles Chargers
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Despite atrocious play from an injury-ravaged offensive line last year, the Los Angeles Chargers were a playoff team last year. They acted in the offseason like a franchise looking to fill the gaps that were the team's undoing in 2025.
On that offensive front, the Bolts lost guard Zion Johnson in free agency but signed a pair of veteran free agents (center Tyler Biadasz and guard Cole Strange) and spent a Day 2 pick on guard Jake Slaughter.
They made a similar swap on the edge, replacing the departed Odafe Oweh with first-round selection Akheem Mesidor.
The Chargers have weapons. An excellent young quarterback. And a defense that was among the NFL's best last year. If that new-look offensive line holds up for Justin Herbert, the Chargers will be a tough out in 2026. -- Davenport
10. Jacksonville Jaguars
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Aside from Travis Hunter coming back healthy, the Jacksonville Jaguars aren't necessarily better now than they were at the end of the regular season.
They didn't really need to make any major improvements, because the team had been playing better than anyone else entering the postseason. Then, the Jags fell flat.
Liam Coen's squad must learn how to finish, which isn't necessarily a personnel issue. Jacksonville did add a rather large draft class with 10 incoming rookies, though that group can be considered scattershot based on how erratically the Jags selected. -- Sobleski
9. Chicago Bears
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The Bears had their best season in years in 2025: 11 wins, an NFC North title and even a victory in the Wild Card Round. Now, it's all about improving on that season and making a deep playoff run.
Offensively, even after the departure of wide receiver D.J. Moore in a trade with the Buffalo Bills, the Bears have no shortage of weapons. The team also endeavored to improve the offensive line with the additions of veteran center Garrett Bradbury and second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo.
Defensively, there are some sizable changes, whether it's a new linebacker in veteran Devin Bush or a pair of new starters at safety in Coby Bryant and rookie first-rounder Dillon Thieneman.
The Bears have the talent to repeat as division champions, but they are the hunted this year instead of the hunter. In the league's most tightly packed division, there is little margin for error. -- Davenport
8. Philadelphia Eagles
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Plenty of unknowns remain for the Philadelphia Eagles.
Will they actually trade A.J. Brown, as expected? Can new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion deliver more efficiency than the offense had in 2025? Will Saquon Barkley remain an elite playmaker as he approaches 30?
If the Eagles find the right answers, they can be back in the Super Bowl conversation. Even if they fall short of that, their roster is talented and balanced enough to leave them in the playoff picture.
The additions of Jonathan Greenard, Riq Woolen and Makai Lemon should help Philly right away. Eli Stowers and Markel Bell give the Eagles valuable depth and a succession plan at key positions. -- Knox
7. San Francisco 49ers
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Every year, high expectations are heaped upon the Niners. They have the coaching and talent to win at the highest level. This team just needs to stay healthy.
No one can predict whether the roster will remain mostly intact through the 2027 campaign or not. As of now, the expectation is that it will because no one wants to bank on the alternative.
Fred Warner and Nick Bosa's returns will be massive boosts after both were knocked out of last season due to injury.
Plus, the team added another future Hall of Famer in wide receiver Mike Evans, who will dramatically change San Francisco's passing attack to make life easier on quarterback Brock Purdy. -- Sobleski
6. Houston Texans
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The Texans are a frightening opponent because of their defense.
The team's front office only made that unit stronger throughout the offseason process, specifically with the additions of veteran safety Reed Blankenship and the draft class' top nose tackle, Kayden McDonald.
The organization fortified its offensive line to make life easier on quarterback C.J. Stroud, too. Braden Smith and Wyatt Teller are two proven veterans to provide the group with leadership and a baseline.
The first-round selection of Keylan Rutledge gives the group a physical tone-setter. -- Sobleski
5. Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills added battle-tested veterans in free agency, signing Bradley Chubb, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone.
With those additions, the Bills should be stingier defensively, though Jim Leonard must find his way as a first-time defensive coordinator in the pros. They also traded for wideout DJ Moore, who will add much-needed perimeter speed in the passing game.
The Bills are judged based on what happens in the playoffs—not in the offseason, though. Buffalo is still a top-five team, but its coaching turnover creates uncertainty as Joe Brady moves from offensive coordinator to head coach. -- Moton
4. Denver Broncos
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After coming within a game of Super Bowl LX last year, the Denver Broncos apparently aren't playing around in 2026.
They made one of the biggest splash moves of the offseason, dealing their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.
Outside that, though, the Broncos appear pretty comfortable rolling it back with the same squad from a year ago. Denver traded back in this year's draft and didn't make a pick until Round 3, when the team selected defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim.
When your team sports arguably the best defense in the NFL, stability isn't necessarily a bad thing. And pairing Waddle with Courtland Sutton gives Bo Nix a formidable duo of wide receivers.
The biggest question for the Broncos may be the ground game, but the Day 3 addition of Washington's Jonah Coleman gives Denver some insurance behind JK Dobbins and RJ Harvey. -- Davenport
3. New England Patriots
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If you look into the New England Patriots' crystal ball of the future, you'll see wide receiver A.J. Brown.
The Philadelphia Eagles traded for Dontayvion Wicks and moved up for Makai Lemon in the draft. Meanwhile, the Patriots are rumored to be interested in Brown.
The Eagles would take on far less dead cap money (about $27 million) if they wait until after June 1 to trade Brown. Following a Super Bowl loss, the Patriots will have help for third-year quarterback Drake Maye on the way.
Keep them in your top five; their roster will get a boost in June. -- Moton
2. Los Angeles Rams
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The Rams are among the betting favorites to win Super Bowl LXI, and their roster makes a strong case for that kind of preseason optimism.
Matthew Stafford was the best quarterback in the NFL last year, the Rams own a ferocious defensive front, and head coach Sean McVay is arguably the game's most brilliant offensive mind. Obviously, Puka Nacua needs to be on the field and stay there.
Right tackle could be a sore spot after longtime starter Rob Havenstein retired, but the Rams significantly upgraded in the secondary with the acquisitions of Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson after that position group was the team's weakest link a season ago. -- Sobleski
1. Seattle Seahawks
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The reigning Super Bowl champions suffered the typical attrition that goes along with success at the highest possible level.
Kenneth Walker III, Riq Woolen, Coby Bryant and Boye Mafe left in free agency, but the team did retain Rashid Shaheed and Josh Jobe. The Seahawks' aggressive approach to defense can hide the secondary to a degree as it transitions with a few new pieces.
Otherwise, running back is the major sticking point since Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in the postseason. However, Seattle offset his injury by drafting the class' RB2, Jadarian Price, in this year's first round. -- Sobleski
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