Top Draft Needs of Every NFL Team in 2026 for Week 1

It's only Week 1 of the NFL season, but every team already has holes and needs. Some are short-term and can or may be addressed this year. Others will have to wait until the offseason, when the bulk of the teams' needs will be filled via April's draft.

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

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

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

Draft Needs

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

While the Cardinals don't need a go-to target at wide receiver after drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024, Harrison could use some help out wide. Specifically, the offense should be looking for a burner on the outside or a slot receiver since Greg Dortch and Zay Jones are entering contract years.

Keeping Tyson in the state would be a nice addition for Arizona since the Sun Devil was described as a "three-level threat" by B/R scout Damian Parson, fulfilling the team's need for speed out wide. He should top the Cardinals' list at the position, but might be out of range on draft day if they're picking outside of the Top 10.

Next up on B/R's big board is Lane, whom Parson also feels has the ability to stretch the field. While Washington's Denzel Boston is currently WR3, Boston doesn't have the speed Arizona should be looking for, so pivoting to Williams to replace Dortch or Jones on the inside would make more sense.

Draft Needs:

Top LB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

To be fair, the Falcons' need at linebacker depends on what their plan is with Jalon Walker. Kaden Elliss is an impending free agent, but Walker can fill the same role as an off-ball linebacker who can be an effective pass-rusher when blitzing.

That being said, the 2025 first-round pick is currently expected to be more of an edge defender in Atlanta.

So, general manager Terry Fontenot will likely be looking at this year's crop of second-level defenders and should start with Styles. The former defensive back is already good in coverage and is more stout against the run than one might think. 

Hill is similar to Elliss and Walker, collecting 13 sacks in 2023 and 2024 combined, while Allen has the physical tools to be a well-rounded linebacker once he gets the mental part of the game/position down.

Draft Needs

Top LB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Ravens will hope that Trent Simpson or Teddye Buchanan can step up beside Roquan Smith, but there's a chance they will be better off targeting a more long-term answer in the 2026 draft. Baltimore tends to favor pure athleticism in its linebacker prospects and Ohio State's Sonny Styles fits that bill. 

Not only is Styles the only linebacker ranked on our initial big board, but he also was the top linebacker on Bruce Feldman's annual list of exceptional athletes in college football. CJ Allen didn't wind up on that list, but he has a 98th percentile Game Athletic Score from PFF. His athleticism and downhill aggression are both things the Ravens should like.

Draft Needs

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Protecting Josh Allen and clearing run lanes for James Cook has to continue to be a top priority for the Bills moving forward. With both Connor McGovern and David Edwards set to hit free agency, the Bills should be spending a lot of time scouting interior offensive linemen. 

Typically, the Bills have favored big maulers like O'Cyrus Torrence at guard. That could rule out someone like Parker Brailsford. His size will likely make him a center only prospect. However, Cayden Green, Ar'Maj Reed-Adams and Earnest Greene III are all bigger guard prospects with the ability to displace run defenders and anchor against bull rushers.

Draft Needs:

Top C Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Panthers have two starters listed on their initial depth chart, with Austin Corbett as the starter and Cade Mays as the backup, and both are impending free agents. So, the position will likely be a point of emphasis for general manager Dan Morgan this offseason.

While none of the three players listed above made B/R's Top 30 big board, they are the scouting department's top three interior offensive linemen and all have experience snapping the ball.

Also, the trio would be good fits in Dave Canales' zone-run heavy scheme, with the Alabama product possessing intriguing athleticism, per offensive line scout Brandon Thorn.

"Brailsford brings excellent movement skills, competitive toughness, alertness and sustain skills that are a chore for defenders," Thorn said. 

"His slender frame and lack of mass will get him into trouble at the next level and likely keep him as a center-only prospect, but there is enough athletic ability and moxie in his game to suggest that he will be competing for a job early into his NFL career, especially if flanked by two bigger, stout guards who can offer him some help."

Draft Needs:

Top Safety Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

While Kevin Byard was good for the Bears last season, he's an impending free agent and turns 33 in August.

But even if the two-time All-Pro re-signs this offseason, Chicago has three other safeties who are on expiring contracts: Jonathan Owens, Jaquan Brisker and Elijah Hicks, so the position could be a point of emphasis in the draft.

Downs is a do-it-all type of safety who would be a great fit in any defense, but he could be off the board by the time the Bears pick. Theinenman would be a strong consolation prize as he compares well to B/R's No. 1 overall prospect, according to scout Daniel Harms.

"While Thieneman isn't Downs, he's a talented defender who was shining in a difficult situation while at Purdue," Harms said. "Now in a winning environment and with a more talented defense, Thieneman can play all over for Oregon, including as a true deep-field defender. 

"He's a willing tackler who showcases numerous examples of closing speed and range to make impact plays at every level. Thieneman could surprise people with how high he ultimately is drafted, even in relation to Downs in the same class."

Draft Needs

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Bengals resolved Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute by giving him a much bigger pile of cash in 2025. They didn't commit to the 30-year-old beyond the season, though. That could open the door for a first-round edge prospect for the second year in a row. T.J. Parker and Reuben Bain Jr. are the highest-rated on our big board and Cincinnati should love how well-rounded their games are.

Cashius Howell is another edge prospect on our big board, but his lack of size might put him lower on the Bengals big board. They have typically looked for edge-rushers with the size to set the edge and hold up against the run. The 245-pounder isn't a great fit as a hand-in-the-ground defensive end. However, Keldric Faulk could be appealing to them at 6'6", 270 pounds.

Draft Needs

Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The jury is still out on Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel, but neither should prevent the Browns from drafting a quarterback next season. Fortunately, the 2026 crop has multiple potential first-rounders that could be intriguing to Kevin Stefanski and Co.

Indiana transfer Fernando Mendoza is the top quarterback on our early board and there's reason to believe the 6'5", 225-pound quarterback would find success in Cleveland. Mendoza's ability to win from the pocket fits well with Stefanski's more traditional approach to offense. Drew Allar would offer a similar fit as a big-bodied prospect (6'5", 235 pounds). He has the arm strength to rip throws into the Lake Erie wind in December.

Draft Needs:

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

While many are focused on Dallas' edge defenders after the Micah Parsons trade, the organization has invested heavily in the position by taking Sam Williams, Marshawn Kneeland and Donovan Ezeiruaku in the second round during three out of the last four drafts. Meanwhile, George Pickens is only on a one-year contract.

Tyson is the early favorite to be the top wide receiver in this year's draft class, partially due to his ability to make plays after the catch, which would be a good fit in Brian Schottenheimer's offense. Meanwhile, Lane and Boston are both listed at 6'4" to be quality options on the outside to complement Ceedee Lamb in the slot.

Draft Needs

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Sean Payton has traditionally liked a wide variety of receivers in his offense. With Courtland Sutton locked in on a new extension, the Broncos should still be looking for a complementary No. 2 receiver in the offense. That likely means targeting a burner who can compete with Marvin Mims Jr. While bigger receivers like Ja'Kobi Lane and Denzel Boston are higher on B/R's board, the speed and quickness of Antonio Williams or Eric Singleton Jr. would bring a different element. 

Singleton is a name to keep an eye on as the season gets underway. The Auburn Tiger was featured in Bruce Feldman's annual list of exceptional athletes with a 10.32 100-meter dash time and a 550-pound squat.

Draft Needs: 

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Detroit has been looking for help on the edge opposite of Aidan Hutchinson for a while now, and Brad Holmes clearly has a type at the position. The general manager likes the physical and more traditional base defensive end type of player, and all three defenders above fit that profile.

Bain has a chance to be the top prospect at the position in this year's draft class, especially after his performance last weekend, with his blend of size (6'3" and 275 pounds), strength and athleticism. That could put him out of reach for the Lions, but Holmes has proven he's willing to trade up to get "his guy" in the past. 

Meanwhile, Faulk is a monster at 6'6" and 285 pounds and has enormous potential since he doesn't turn 20 until Sunday, and Uiagalelei fits the profile too at 6'5" and 270 pounds.

Draft Needs:

Top DT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Packers shouldn't have any buyer's remorse with the Micah Parsons trade. But their defense did lose a big piece in the middle of the line in Kenny Clark, and the front office doesn't have a first-round pick to replace him.

Luckily, the three players above all have second- or third-round grades by B/R's scouting department to be viable solutions.

Keenan could fill the void at nose tackle with his impressive strength to be a boulder against the run. However, the Alabama product underwent tight rope surgery on his ankle and will miss a few games to begin the season. 

Meanwhile, Oke is a player to watch this year as he makes the jump from FCS to the SEC, and Banks has potential in both phases of the game but needs to become more consistent.

Draft Needs

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Texans moved on from Bobby Slowik at offensive coordinator this offseason. New offensive coordinator should bring a more balanced approach between zone and gap schemes in the run game. That should signal a shift to interior offensive linemen who can excel in a wider variety of schemes. 

Ar'maj Reed-Adams figures to be a highly sought-after guard in the draft class. The 6'5", 325-pound guard has the size and strength to be a mauler, but he's also a smooth mover who can excel in zone schemes. Cayden Green should compete with him to be among the first guards taken. He's virtually the same size and has the athleticism that Caley should be searching for.

Draft Needs

Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Naming Daniel Jones as the starting quarterback for 2025 feels like a virtual guarantee the Colts will be taking a quarterback next spring. Fortunately, there are already three in the top 10 of our big board and Arch Manning is lurking. The Texas quarterback could obviously shoot up draft boards through the season and become the top target for his uncle's former team, but we'll stick with more proven players for now. 

Fernando Mendoza is the top passer on our draft board going into the season. The 6'5", 225-pound quarterback transferred to Indiana and will have the opportunity to build his resume in the Big Ten after a strong season with California last year. Garrett Nussmeier and Cade Klubnik might not have the same physical tools, but the Colts should have learned that tantalizing physical traits aren't everything after the Anthony Richardson experience. 

Draft Needs

Top S Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Jaguars took a big swing on Travis Hunter being able to transform their receiver corps and secondary. We'll see if he's really able to make an impact on both sides of the ball, but the Jaguars are going to want more play-making in the secondary either way. The Jaguars were 32nd in takeaways last season and their safety room doesn't inspire much confidence. 

Caleb Downs would provide an instant jolt of talent. He's the top-rated overall player on our board and his ability to diagnose plays and wreak havoc are his biggest strengths. Dillon Thieneman and Kamari Ramsey are the next two safeties on the board. They both make sense as targets for their ability to play as deep defenders and break on the ball.

Draft Needs

Top DL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Chris Jones can't play forever and the defensive tackles beside him are mostly niche role players. The Chiefs are likely to be in the market for more long-term solutions on the inside of their defensive line. Peter Woods is a game-wrecker who will fit any scheme as the No. 2 overall prospect on our big board, however, the Chiefs aren't likely to be in the running for him barring a massive trade. 

Instead, they'll need to focus on some athletic defensive tackles who could climb the board. The Chiefs seem to value functional athleticism and explosiveness from their defensive tackles. So while Christen Miller (6'4", 305 pounds) and David Oke (6'2", 312 pounds) aren't the biggest defensive tackle prospects, they do fit the mold for the kind of attacking defensive linemen that Steve Spagnuolo likes.

Draft Needs

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Pete Carroll's penchant for targeting tall, long cornerbacks is well-known. Jermod McCoy doesn't quite fit the Richard Sherman or even Riq Woolen archetype, but B/R scout Daniel Harms highlighted his football IQ and physicality. Those are two things that Carroll will love.

Jalon Kilgore will have a real shot at supplanting McCoy on their draft board, though. At 6'1", 211 pounds, he's a big corner with the ball production (five picks last season) to grab the Raiders' attention. AJ Harris has a similar build and physicality. Cornerbacks like Avieon Terrell (5'11", 180 pounds) will probably be lower on the Raiders board.

Draft Needs

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter worked wonders for the Chargers secondary last season, but he would be even better with a star level cornerback to work with. If Jermod McCoy is able to recover from the torn ACL that ended his season last year then he could be that guy for the Bolts. His ability to get up and play press-man would allow Minter to expand his coverages. 

Jalon Kilgore is a bit more of a raw projection right now, but Minter would also like his tools and versatility. The ability to play both inside and outside is a strength for Malik Muhammad. Minter likes having defensive backs who can fill multiple roles and Muhammad has shown inside-out versatility at Texas.

Draft Needs:

Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Especially with the recent back injury, the Rams need to start planning for who takes over at quarterback after Matthew Stafford. Luckily, the 37-year-old is under contract through next season, so they don't necessarily need to draft someone who is ready to play right away and can take on a project.

Swapping Jared Goff for Stafford proved that, ideally, Sean McVay would like a strong-armed quarterback operating his offense. Mendoza is B/R's current QB1 and has the requisite arm talent for McVay, making that an easy fit.

However, Garrett Nussmeier is second on the board but isn't included above since Klubnik and Allar have superior arm strength.

Draft Needs

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Dolphins are yet another team with a need at cornerback who will keep a close eye on Jermod McCoy's recovery from his ACL tear. McCoy is scheme-versatile enough that he should be every team's top option. 

From there, Anthony Weaver's defense relies on cornerbacks who have the toughness and competitiveness to play press coverage. Malik Muhammad has the frame and athleticism to not only jam receivers at the line, but also be a functional player in run defense. Aveion Terrell won't be for everyone because of his size, but Weaver and the rest of the coaching staff will love the competitiveness that he plays with at 5'11", 190 pounds. 

Draft Needs:

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Vikings are rolling the dice on Isaiah Rodgers and Jeff Okudah as their starting outside cornerbacks, while Byron Murphy Jr. lines up at nickel. Okudah is also only on a one-year contract, so the front office will likely be looking for someone to patrol the perimeter this spring.

McCoy is the best corner on B/R's big board heading into the campaign and has top-10 pick talent, though he is recovering from a torn ACL and is expected to miss a few games at the beginning of the season.

While Jalon Kilgore is next up on the rankings, Kilgore is a slot corner, which makes Rivers and Scott better fits for what Minnesota needs. 

Draft Needs

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Mike Vrabel has some work to do to build the kind of defense he was known for with the Tennessee Titans. Part of that work needs to include finding an edge-rusher who can become a foundational piece of the defense. T.J. Parker will be at the top of a lot of team's boards. Not only does he have great size and athleticism, but he plays with the kind of motor that Vrabel will love from a team leader. 

Rueben Bain Jr. is the second-ranked edge-rusher on our big board and there's no reason the Patriots wouldn't like him. He's a jumbo defensive end who has already flashed versatility and run-defense chops that the Patriots value. Cashius Howell is ranked higher on our board than Matayo Uiagalelei, but the Pats would probably prefer Uiagalelei's size and length at 6'5", 272 pounds. 

Draft Needs:

Top CB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Quarterback could easily become the Saints' biggest need by the end of the season. But right now, they have a couple of young options under center in Spencer Rattler and Tyler Shough.

Until Rattler and Shough show that they're not capable of being the future of the franchise, New Orleans' draft needs will focus on other positions.

Meanwhile, the team's defense could use some help at corner, and McCoy is a top-10 prospect on B/R's big board due to his combination of physicality, youth (just turned 20) and football IQ. Kilgore is more of a nickelback who also has experience playing safety, another need for the Saints. 

Finally, Rivers' ball skills make him an intriguing prospect, as the Blue Devil collected 21 passes defended and five interceptions during his first three years at Duke

Draft Needs:

Top RT Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The glaring omission here is Alabama's Kadyn Proctor, who is the No. 1 offensive lineman on B/R's big board and many others right now. However, all of Proctor's experience has been on the left side, and he had a rough season opener against Florida State, which could cause him to slide.

The Giants are set on the blind side with Andrew Thomas under contract through 2029, and the offense will need someone to replace impending free agent Jeramine Eluemunor. 

While Goosby is expected to take over for Kelvin Banks as Texas' left tackle this season, the current Longhorn has some experience on the right edge to be a versatile prospect. As for Mauigoa and Fano, both are primarily right tackles and are coming off strong Week 1 performances.

Draft Needs 

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Tanner Engstrand will try to construct a strong passing attack in New York, but he'll have to adjust to having fewer weapons than he did in Detroit. Right now, Garrett Wilson doesn't have much help. Wilson will likely take on the Amon-Ra St. Brown role as the receiver who can play all over the formation and run the entire route tree. 

What Engstrand and Co. will likely be looking for in 2026 is a bigger receiver who can attack downfield and win contested catches. Fortunately, our draft board is in alignment with that type at the top. Jordyn Tyson comes into the season as WR1 for his ability to win all over the field. Ja'Kobi Lane (6'4", 195 pounds) and Denzel Boston (6'4", 210 pounds) would both make intriguing running mates for Wilson.

Draft Needs:

Top TE Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

It seems like Dallas Goedert's time in Philadelphia will be coming to an end soon. Goedert turned 30 in January and will be a free agent in the offseason, putting this year's crop of tight ends on Howie Roseman's radar.

Endries was the top player at the position on B/R's initial big board, largely due to his ability to make plays after the catch.

Meanwhile, Sadiq is in line for a big season now that he's not competing for snaps with Rams' second-round pick Terrance Ferguson, and Klare could push for the top spot after transferring from Purdue to Ohio State.

Draft Needs 

Top QB Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Steelers are most likely getting just one season of Aaron Rodgers, so they should be all-in on scouting this year's quarterback class. Arthur Smith will want to have a quarterback who can make quick, efficient reads while also possessing the arm strength to drive the ball off play-action. 

Fernando Mendoza is the top-rated quarterback on our big board and he checks all of those boxes. Drew Allar is a big quarterback who is going to remind some of Ben Roethlisberger with his frame and rocket arm. That might push him slightly up the Steelers board while Garrett Nussmeier should still be under consideration for his accuracy and decision-making. Someone like LaNorris Sellers might be a harder sell based on how much Smith relies on timing from his quarterback.

Draft Needs:

Top WR Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

To be fair, the biggest reason why a wide receiver is a need for the 49ers is that their wideouts just can't stay healthy. On top of that, the team's most reliable player at the position, Jauan Jennings, is entering a contract year. So, just about any wideout in the country should be on John Lynch's radar.

Tyson is the early favorite to be the "cream of the crop" in this year's receiver class, and his well-rounded skill set would be a good fit in Kyle Shanahan's offense. Coincidentally, the organization has also leaned heavily on wideouts who went to Arizona State in recent drafts, selecting Bradon Aiyuk and Ricky Pearsall (transferred to Florida).

But if the Sun Devil isn't available, Lane would be a decent consolation prize and has already been mocked to San Francisco. Meanwhile, Boston could be a good big-bodied (6'4" and 209) contested catch option for San Francisco.

Draft Needs:

Top IOL Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Seahawks just spent a first-round pick on Grey Zabel to help fix their interior offensive line issues, but the center and other guard spots could still use some work since the unit was one of the worst in the league last year.

Finding someone to play center should be a point of emphasis since that's proven to be a problem after Connor Williams' mid-season retirement.

While none of the three prospects listed above made B/R's Top 30 big board, they are the scouting department's top three interior offensive linemen and all have experience snapping the ball.

Also, the trio would be good fits in Klint Kubiak's outside zone heavy scheme, with the Alabama product possessing intriguing athleticism, per offensive line scout Brandon Thorn.

"Brailsford brings excellent movement skills, competitive toughness, alertness and sustain skills that are a chore for defenders," Thorn said. 

"His slender frame and lack of mass will get him into trouble at the next level and likely keep him as a center-only prospect, but there is enough athletic ability and moxie in his game to suggest that he will be competing for a job early into his NFL career, especially if flanked by two bigger, stout guards who can offer him some help."

Draft Needs:

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Haason Reddick is only on a one-year contract, making him a temporary solution to a long-term problem for the Buccaneers. General manager Jason Licht has been looking for an edge-rusher to pair with Yaya Diaby, but has been struggling to find one.

While there are other players at the position who rank higher on B/R's Big Board, Clemson's T.J. Parker and Miami's Rueben Bain will likely be out of range for Tampa Bay, and Auburn's Keldric Faulk doesn't fit Licht's profile and head coach/defensive play caller Todd Bowles' scheme. 

The twitchier and more athletic types of edges are a better fit for Tampa, and Howell and Bailey match that profile. That's not a great description for Uiagalelei, who stands at 6'5" and 270 pounds, but he has enough athleticism for his size to at least be on the Bucs' radar.

Draft Needs

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

Mike Borgonzi has only had one offseason to make his mark on the Titans roster, but he made sure to target an edge-rusher with his second-round pick. The work probably isn't done at the position either as Arden Key isn't a long-terms solution. 

It's going to be tough to top T.J. Parker and Reuben Bain Jr. at the top of the draft board for anyone looking at edge-rushers. They are versatile defensive ends who could work for most defensive systems. After that, there's a little more variety. Keldric Faulk could be their most coveted option for his size (6'6", 285 pounds) and heavy hands. Kashius Howell could be a fit if the Titans want a direct Key replacement, but Borgonzi's time with the Chiefs could see him favoring bigger, more powerful edge prospects.

Draft Needs: 

Top Edge Scheme Fits on B/R Big Board

The Commanders could have gone after an edge-rusher in last April's draft, but opted to address other needs and sign future Hall of Famer Von Miller to a one-year contract instead. The problem is that this is a temporary solution to a long-term problem, so the position will be a need next spring, too.

T.J. Parker and Rueben Bain Jr. are higher on B/R's big board, but likely won't be around when Washington is projected to pick. Keldric Faulk is another option to consider, but Faulk has questionable athleticism and might be a better pass rusher on the inside, making him less of a fit for what the defense needs.

Howell is a player to keep tabs on this season now that he isn't playing behind Nic Scourton and Shermar Stewart.

The Texas A&M product is quick and athletic to be effective in Dan Quinn's and Joe Whitt Jr.'s scheme, which uses a lot of stunts and line games. The same goes for Bailey, a Stanford transfer, and Uiagalelei was an effective looper last season.