When I do mock drafts over the summer, during the season and even just after the season wraps up, I always stress that those exercises are more about overall rankings and player movement up and down the board, rather than specific prospect-to-team fits. Until the dust settles on the first wave of free agency, it’s just too hard to predict what teams will focus on in the draft.

Well, that’s not a concern anymore. It’s time to update the needs of all 32 teams following the first week of free agency. There are still some notable names unsigned and a late signing or trade could eliminate some of these, but for the most part, we know what teams will be looking at in the draft if they take a needs-based approach.

This isn’t meant to be an exhaustive list of every position each team could potentially upgrade — it’s more meant to highlight areas of weakness on each roster and maybe some places they should invest in long-term. Without further ado, let’s dive in:

Arizona Cardinals

Biggest remaining need: Quarterback

Others: OL, DL, LB

It seems the Cardinals will end up punting on their quarterback situation after cutting Kyler Murray and missing on Malik Willis in free agency. They signed Gardner Minshew, and while he and Jacoby Brissett can probably get Arizona through the 2026 season, it’s not ideal. With the draft light on potential answers, Kirk Cousins remains an option to watch here, as options for both Arizona and Cousins have begun to dry up. 

Elsewhere, the Cardinals still need to solve three or four positions on the offensive line long-term, and they need upgrades both on the interior and on the edge of their defensive line. Cody Simon did some nice things as a rookie, but the Cardinals don’t have linebacker figured out, either.

Atlanta Falcons

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: ED, CB

The Falcons did sign Jahan Dotson and Olamide Zaccheaus in free agency, but they are stopgap solutions more than long-term answers. Atlanta still needs to find some receivers to complement Drake London.

Elsewhere, Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. both had solid rookie seasons off the edge, but the Falcons don’t have much in the way of depth behind them, and Pearce’s future is suddenly in question given his serious legal trouble. Cornerback remains a need for this team. Second-year CB Billy Bowman is the incumbent in the slot, but the starter opposite AJ Terrell on the outside is still a question mark.

Baltimore Ravens

Biggest remaining need: Center

Others: WR, ED, CB

After losing Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, center stands out as a major weakness in the current projected starting lineup. The Ravens have been shut out as other centers got snapped up, too, and the current Week 1 starter would be Jovaughn Gwyn. 

The Ravens have tried to find Zay Flowers a complement at wide receiver for years now, but they’ve been largely unsuccessful and the need remains. On defense, Baltimore did just sign Trey Hendrickson, but they need other pass rushers to step up, too. The entire cornerback room had a bad year in 2025, and while the Ravens seem content to hope for a collective bounce back, there’s a chance this position needs a major overhaul a year from now.

Buffalo Bills

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: LB, S

The Bills gave up a lot to go get D.J. Moore from the Bears, but I’m not convinced they still don’t need another receiver to go with him and Khalil Shakir. Neither Keon Coleman nor Joshua Palmer has run away with the “X” receiver role. 

Linebacker sticks out as the defense’s most glaring weakness and one they might attack early and aggressively in the draft. Beyond those two positions, safety stands out as another position the Bills could look to address in the draft.

Carolina Panthers

Biggest remaining need: Offensive Line

Others: WR, DT

After losing Cade Mays in free agency, the Panthers need a new starting center. Luke Fortner was signed to a one-year deal but he might be more of a stopgap than a long-term solution. With LT Ikem Ekwonu set to miss most if not all of the 2026 season, a temporary starter at left tackle is also a need.

It cost them a lot of money, but the Panthers were aggressive in attacking the weaknesses they had on defense. New OLB Jaelan Phillips and LB Devin Lloyd should considerably raise the floor of this group, even if continuing to accumulate talent on that side of the ball in the draft is prudent. Carolina could use another monster in the middle next to Derrick Brown on that defensive line and a third wide receiver to play with Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker would be wise after two underwhelming seasons from Xavier Legette.

Chicago Bears

Biggest remaining need: Defensive Line

Others: WR, C, S

On defense, more bodies on the defensive line stands out as the biggest priority. Defensive tackle is pretty barren in general and Montez Sweat is the only consistent edge rusher the Bears employ.

Another safety to pair with Coby Bryant is also something Chicago should look at after losing both safeties from last year’s team. The surprise retirement of Drew Dalman left the Bears with a gaping hole at center. Garrett Bradbury is an adequate temporary replacement, but expect Chicago to explore adding a long-term solution in this draft. A third receiver to play with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III is also in the cards after trading D.J. Moore.

Cincinnati Bengals

Biggest remaining need: Offensive Line

Others LB, CB

The Bengals haven’t done much to address one of the worst offensive lines in the league over the past few seasons — other than bringing back a few players. That won’t help the unit improve, though I suppose it should prevent it from getting worse.

Cincinnati did a good job addressing their defensive line needs in free agency, but linebacker still stands out as a weakness. The Bengals have some options at outside cornerback, but an upgrade in the slot should be one of their priorities in the draft.

Cleveland Browns

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: QB, OL

What don’t the Browns need on offense? The Browns haven’t done anything at wide receiver yet and they fielded the worst receiving corps in the league by a margin last year. This tells me they might be looking at taking the first receiver off the board with the No. 6 pick in the draft.

Like the Cardinals, the Browns seem content to ride out 2026 with their current options at quarterback and address the position next year. Cleveland did some work to address their offensive line by bringing in Zion Johnson, Elgton Jenkins and Tytus Howard, but much more is needed.

Dallas Cowboys

Biggest remaining need: Linebacker

Others: G, DL, CB

Linebacker still stands as this team’s biggest weakness, and they haven’t addressed it at all in free agency, setting Dallas up to prioritize the position in the draft. Cornerback is right there as well, and I’d expect the Cowboys to take one of those two positions with the No. 12 pick (and perhaps the other at No. 20).

It’s not as glaring a need as it was a year ago, but this Cowboys defensive line still isn’t good enough. Defensive tackle or edge rusher are other possibilities with their top draft assets. With Tyler Smith potentially moving to left tackle, guard is a potential need as well.

Denver Broncos

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: TE, DT

The Broncos are one of the league’s deepest teams, but they could use more firepower on offense. Denver’s offense wasn’t the most explosive unit last season and whether they add that talent at wide receiver or tight end, it would do wonders for QB Bo Nix coming off his injury.

After losing John Franklin-Myers in free agency, the Broncos could also stand to restock the cupboard a bit at defensive tackle.

Detroit Lions

Biggest remaining need: Left Tackle

Others: ED, CB

After releasing longtime LT Taylor Decker, offensive tackle stands out as the biggest need for the Lions. Currently, they’re projected to start Larry Borom, and that’s not ideal for a team looking to compete at the top of the NFC again in 2026.

On defense, pass rush and coverage help are almost necessary to get this defense back to a functioning place. Outside of Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit doesn’t have much in the way of reliable pass rushers. And even though they’ve poured resources into fixing the cornerback position in recent years, those efforts haven’t borne fruit yet.

Green Bay Packers

Biggest remaining need: Edge Rusher

Others: OL, DT, CB

The Packers don’t have any major, glaring weaknesses that need immediate fixes, but they do have a few positions that could become problematic throughout the season. After trading Rashan Gary to the Cowboys, pass rusher stands out as a big need, especially with Micah Parsons returning from a season-ending injury. He’ll be back at some point next season but might not be ready for Week 1. 

Aaron Banks, Sean Rhyan and Anthony Belton as your projected starting interior offensive line isn’t the worst group in the league, but that has limiting potential without at least more options behind them. Improving their run-stuffing abilities at defensive tackle is also a concern. Cornerback has been an area of need for a few seasons now, and while Green Bay has gotten by with their current depth chart, some upgrades are probably in order.

Houston Texans

Biggest remaining need: Running Back

Others: OL

Even though the Texans traded a substantial haul for RB David Montgomery this offseason, they could still stand to get more dynamic in the backfield. Montgomery and incumbent starter Woody Marks both project more as between-the-tackles bruisers rather than big-play threats or receiving weapons.

Signing Braden Smith from the Colts to be the new starting right tackle is a big upgrade, but Houston can’t be done on the offensive line. The interior stands out now as a potential weakness, but bringing in more depth at tackle in case 2025 second-round pick Aireontae Ersery doesn’t develop would be prudent.

Indianapolis Colts

Biggest remaining need: Linebacker

Others: WR, DL, S

For a team expecting to compete at the top of the AFC next year, the Colts have a lot of roster weaknesses to shore up. After trading away Zaire Franklin and with Germaine Pratt still a free agent, Indy needs two starters at linebacker.

With Nick Cross and Rodney Thomas II both signing elsewhere in free agency, safety also stands out as a major need. The Colts also need a third receiver to play next to Alec Pierce and Josh Downs after trading away Michael Pittman Jr., and they lost a lot of depth along the defensive front with the likes of Kwity Paye, Samson Ebukam, and Neville Gallimore departing. Without a first-round pick, filling these holes in the draft alone will be challenging.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Biggest remaining need: Linebacker

Others: DT

Despite mostly sitting out of free agency, the Jaguars have a pretty strong roster overall. The middle of their defense stands out as a potential Achilles heel for this team, though, especially after Lloyd signed with the Panthers.

Getting a new starter at linebacker and adding depth at defensive tackle are probably Jacksonville’s top priorities in the draft. Re-signing Montaric Brown and moving Travis Hunter to primarily play cornerback should fix their issues in the secondary.

Kansas City Chiefs

Biggest remaining need: Cornerback

Others: WR, DL, S

The Chiefs were decimated in the secondary during free agency, losing three starters from last year’s team — though some of that was by their own doing, as they traded CB Trent McDuffie to the Rams. By far the biggest weakness on this team now, the Chiefs have to improve their secondary by bringing in talent in the draft.

But Kansas City’s big weakness from last year still stands out. Wide receiver isn’t good enough. Xavier Worthy has yet to take the next step as a more well-rounded receiving threat and Rashee Rice’s off-field troubles continue to jeopardize his long-term NFL career. Even with both of those guys on the field, receiver could use some attention. Additionally, the Chiefs still need more help on the defensive line, both in terms of rushing the passer and stopping the run.

Las Vegas Raiders

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: OT, DT, CB

If the Raiders were in an easier division, they’d be a sneaky team to win seven or eight games next year. Quarterback is only a need until they draft Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza on April 23. Wide receiver is probably this team’s biggest area of weakness, and it’s one they’ll probably address early on Day 2 of the draft.

It wasn’t ideal for obvious reasons, but Las Vegas being forced to keep Maxx Crosby gives them a pretty potent rotation of edge rushers. Defensive tackle is a much bigger need, and the Raiders could use one more cornerback to feel good about that position for the short term. Depending on how the new staff feels about RT D.J. Glaze, offensive tackle is a potential concern as well.

Los Angeles Chargers

Biggest remaining need: Guard

Others: WR, DL

I would have liked to see the Chargers do more with all their money in free agency, but the truth is, they don’t need much more to stand as one of the AFC’s elite. The trenches are where Los Angeles really needs to focus, though. Guard is a problem, as Trevor Penning and Cole Strange simply aren’t good enough to pencil in as your starters in 2026.

Ladd McConkey, Tre Harris, and Quentin Johnston are a fine trio of receivers, but they could improve the talent there for sure. Adding more to the defensive line should also be a focus for the Chargers, particularly from a pass rushing perspective.

Los Angeles Rams

Biggest remaining need: NA

Others: WR, OL, LB

The secondary was the Rams’ biggest need entering the offseason, and they aggressively pursued upgrades at cornerback by trading for McDuffie and signing Jaylen Watson. Bringing Kamren Curl back at safety solves that potential problem, as well.

As a result, there aren’t any glaring needs in Los Angeles. A third wide receiver to play in the slot between Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is on the list, as is getting more athletic at linebacker and adding some depth to the offensive line. All those fall into the “would be nice to have” bucket, though, rather than sitting there as imminent needs.

Miami Dolphins

Biggest remaining need: Cornerback

Others: WR, TE, OL, ED, S

There’s a good chance Miami is the worst team in the league next year. This roster has a lot of holes, and the Dolphins are spending this year getting some bad contracts off their books to improve in the future.

Outside of Jaylen Waddle, I don’t like what they have at receiver or tight end. The entire offensive line needs an overhaul in Miami, and after losing Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb, pass rusher stands out as a big need as well. This was the worst secondary in the league a year ago and it got worse, somehow. Miami can take a true “best player available” approach in the draft because they simply need help almost everywhere.

Minnesota Vikings

Biggest remaining need: Safety

Others: RB, C, DT, LB

On defense, defensive tackle is a need after cutting Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Linebacker and safety aren’t pressing needs, necessarily, but those positions took a step back in 2025 and improving the talent there is probably in order. I’d expect defensive tackle and safety to be high on the priority list for the Vikings in the first round, especially given who’s projected to be available to them at their pick.

The retirement of Ryan Kelly puts center squarely on the board for the Vikings on Day 2 of the draft. There should be a lot of options for them in Round 3, in particular. Minnesota bringing back Aaron Jones on a revised contract is a bit of a surprise, but it doesn’t change the fact that getting more dynamic in the backfield should be on their minds. 

New England Patriots

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: OT, ED

Signing Romeo Doubs helps, but it’s at best a lateral move at receiver after cutting Stefon Diggs — and there’s a good chance it’s a downgrade. New England still needs a bona fide WR1, which is why it makes sense they continue to monitor the trade market for A.J. Brown.

Pass rusher also stands out as a big need for this team, even after signing Dre’Mont Jones. And some long-term insurance at offensive tackle is probably in order, given RT Morgan Moses’ age and lingering questions surrounding the fit at tackle for Will Campbell.

New Orleans Saints

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: DL, CB

I love what the Saints have done this offseason. That offensive line is legitimately excellent after signing G David Edwards from the Bills. New Orleans hasn’t touched wide receiver yet, though, indicating they may look at that position with the No. 8 overall pick.

Of course, defensive line is also an option there, and they need help both on the edge and the interior. Kool-Aid McKinstry is locked in at one starting spot, but after losing Alontae Taylor, the Saints likely need two more cornerbacks to feel good about that position.

New York Giants

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Other: OL

The Giants are a sneaky team to potentially compete for a division title in 2026 — as long as QB Jaxson Dart can take the next step in his second year and with a new head coach. New York went hard after improving their defense, fixing issues at linebacker and cornerback with Tremaine Edmunds and Greg Newsome II.

Outside of Malik Nabers, the Giants don’t have much in the way of receivers. And after missing on Linderbaum, the interior of their offensive line could be quite problematic as well. Those two positions stand out the most as weaknesses, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see New York focus on them at some point in the draft.

New York Jets

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: QB, ED, LB, CB

The better question is probably: what don’t the Jets need? Geno Smith is a fine bridge starter for this year, but long-term, quarterback is still an issue. Adonai Mitchell did some nice things for New York after they acquired him from the Colts at the trade deadline, but outside of Garrett Wilson, they have little in the way of proven wide receivers.

The Jets made a lot of effort to improve the floor of their defense in free agency, but pretty much everyone they brought in is a temporary solution. Outside of Will McDonald IV, they don’t have much in the way of pass rushers. Linebacker and cornerback also stand out as major needs. The Jets should be more competent in 2026, but they’re far from good.

Philadelphia Eagles

Biggest remaining need: Edge Rusher

Others: WR, TE

On the defensive side of the ball, edge rusher is the glaring weakness here. Nolan Smith is very good, but he’s not enough on his own. It’s the clear top priority for the Eagles in the draft. Signing Riq Woolen from the Seahawks should solve their cornerback issues.

Until the Dallas Goedert situation is resolved, I’ll list tight end as a need for the Eagles. If they manage to bring him back though, that need pretty much goes away. Wide receiver stands out, especially if Philadelphia decides to trade Brown. Even if they don’t, they need a third receiver to pair with him and DeVonta Smith.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest remaining need: Offensive Tackle

Others: QB, WR, LB

It seems the Steelers are set to go into 2026 with Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu at tackle, and that would scare me if I’m a Steelers fan. Jones is also a big question mark for 2026 after neck surgery. Dylan Cook is the backup there right now. 

Until Aaron Rodgers makes his decision, quarterback looms over the Steelers. If he’s back, they ride with him for another year — if not, they have to pivot hard to a dwindling pool of options. Even after trading for Michael Pittman Jr., I’d like to see Pittsburgh add another receiver and give them a more dynamic slot option next to Pittman and D.K. Metcalf. Inside linebacker is a potential area of concern for this squad, though not the most pressing. 

San Francisco 49ers

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: DL

The 49ers aggressively attacked their weakness in free agency and on the trade market. This isn’t a team with a lot of holes and they got better from a year ago. Still, San Francisco is pretty thin at receiver behind Mike Evans and Ricky Pearsall, and it’s not like Pearsall has been able to stay healthy and on the field to this point in his career.

Additionally, the 49ers need to get better at stopping the run on the interior of their defensive line and rushing the passer off the edge. I wouldn’t feel comfortable penciling in second-year players CJ West, Alfred Collins and Mykel Williams into starting spots on that defensive line, but that’s what’s set to happen.

Seattle Seahawks

Biggest remaining need: RB

Others: G, ED, S

The reigning Super Bowl champions do have some areas of concern to address. Running back jumps off the page as a massive weak spot on this roster after losing Kenneth Walker III in free agency and with Zach Charbonnet highly unlikely to play until well into the season due to his ACL rehab. Seattle signed Emanuel Wilson, a change-of-pace back with the Packers the last few years, but right now it’s him and George Holani leading the way for the champs. 

Even after drafting Grey Zabel in the first round last year, the Seahawks could still stand to upgrade at their other guard spot. Given that Seattle lost Coby Bryant in free agency, safety is an area of need as well. And they could probably stand to restock at edge rusher a bit, though that’s more of a depth concern than anything substantial.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Biggest remaining need: Edge Rusher

Others: LB, CB

This team has three very clear areas of need on defense. The Buccaneers desperately need more at pass rusher, and given they didn’t seriously address that in free agency, it might telegraph their plans at No. 15 overall.

Even though they signed Alex Anzalone, linebacker is still a problem, as they need another starter next to him. Beyond that, cornerback is a need after losing Jamel Dean in free agency. In theory, 2025 second-round pick Benjamin Morrison could step into that spot, but it gets thin quick behind him and he had a very rocky rookie season.

Tennessee Titans

Biggest remaining need: Wide Receiver

Others: OL, ED, LB, CB, S

The Titans have some depth at wide receiver, but they need a top, go-to option to push everyone else down the depth chart a bit to more fitting spots. The assumption remains that WR Calvin Ridley will be cut at some point. 

Pass rusher and linebacker stand out as big needs on defense. This isn’t the worst starting offensive line in the league, but there are some areas of concern and additional depth is needed, particularly at tackle. Depending on what Tennessee thinks of Kevin Winston Jr., safety could also be a draft target for them.

Washington Commanders

Biggest remaining need: Edge Rusher

Others: RB, WR, LB, CB, S

I like what the Commanders did to bring in younger talent on defense in free agency, but it’s still a unit that needs a lot of work. Outside of Odafe Oweh, Washington doesn’t have any pass rushers that inspire great confidence. They have a pair of downhill, thumping linebackers in Frankie Luvu and Leo Chenal, but coverage at the position could be a major weakness. This was the worst coverage unit in the league last year and while Nick Cross will help with run support from the safety position, his weakness is also in coverage.

On offense, this is a suddenly-thin running back room that could use a talent upgrade. Outside of Terry McLaurin, this wide receiver room is pretty thin, as well — though if Brandon Aiyuk is released by the 49ers and signs with Washington as expected, that need will lessen.