Every NFC team's 3 greatest draft needs
Here, theScore identifies every team's three biggest needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place April 23-25.
AFC I NFC
Jump to:
ARI | ATL | CAR | CHI | DAL | DET | GB | LAR | MIN | NO | NYG | PHI | SEA | SF | TB | WAS
Arizona Cardinals
Need 1: Quarterback
This is an obvious one, as Arizona parted ways with 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray this offseason. The problem for the Cardinals is that it doesn't make sense for them to reach for a quarterback at No. 3 overall. But they're still likely to add a rookie to a group that's currently headlined by veterans Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.
Need 2: Pass-rusher
The Cardinals' defensive front needs a new starter to play opposite Josh Sweat and a disruptive lineman to fill the gap left by Calais Campbell, who remains unsigned. Those two are the only Arizona players who recorded more than two sacks in 2025.
Need 3: Right tackle
Paris Johnson Jr. has excelled as Arizona's full-time left tackle, but the right side of the offensive line is a concern. Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum, who both played right tackle last season, are free agents. Although the Cardinals added multiple tackles in free agency, including veteran Elijah Wilkinson, they need to build a strong O-line foundation with young blockers.
Atlanta Falcons
Need 1: Defensive tackle
Atlanta ranked 24th in rushing yards allowed last season and lost defensive lineman David Onyemata in free agency. Ruke Orhorhoro might be penciled in as the projected starter at nose tackle, but the Falcons' defense really needs a big run-stuffer to build their front seven around.
Need 2: Linebacker
No Falcon played more defensive snaps in 2025 than Kaden Elliss, who left in free agency. That leaves a 1,103-snap void in the middle of Atlanta's defense. Elliss also had three consecutive seasons of 100-plus tackles and at least 3.5 sacks with the Falcons. Expect them to look for a linebacker who can play alongside Divine Deablo fairly early in the draft.
Need 3: Wide receiver
Regardless of whether the Falcons roll out Michael Penix Jr. (fresh off ACL surgery) or the declining Tua Tagovailoa, they'll need more weapons. Jahan Dotson is currently the secondary wideout behind Drake London, but he's registered only 478 receiving yards over the last two seasons combined. Another solid receiver would bolster a top-heavy skill-position group and add much-needed depth behind London.
Carolina Panthers
Need 1: Wide receiver
Tetairoa McMillan had a 1,000-yard season as a rookie. No other Panthers wideout even cracked 400 yards last year. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are serviceable pieces, but they haven't shown any qualities that make them dependable WR2s. Carolina needs to look elsewhere to get another weapon for Bryce Young.
Need 2: Tight end
Another area of Carolina's offense that could use an upgrade is tight end. Tommy Tremble is more of a blocker than a pass-catcher. Teams with elite pass-catching tight ends have shown what a difference-maker they can be, and the Panthers shouldn't hesitate to elevate the position if a top prospect, such as Oregon's Kenyon Sadiq, falls into their lap.
Need 3: Secondary
This one can go either way; the Panthers could target a safety or a slot cornerback. The slot may be the more pressing need, as Chau Smith-Wade allowed 43 catches on 53 targets last season, per PFF.
Chicago Bears
Need 1: Edge rusher
Montez Sweat led the team with 10 sacks last year, but there wasn't really much else in terms of production coming off the edge. Dayo Odeyingbo, who signed with Chicago as a free agent in 2025, saw his debut season end with a torn Achilles. But he only managed one sack in eight games prior to the injury. Getting another edge rusher could go a long way in helping the Bears take the next step.
Need 2: Safety
The Bears added Coby Bryant and Cam Lewis in free agency. While the former is expected to start, the latter would function better as a reliable depth piece. Chicago lost former starting safeties Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker this offseason and needs to swing for a high-end talent in the draft.
Need 3: Defensive tackle
Only five teams surrendered more rushing yards than the 2025 Bears, and their 5 yards per carry allowed was the fourth-worst mark in the NFL. Grady Jarrett's best days are probably behind him; PFF ranked the veteran defensive tackle 65th among all interior linemen who played at least 200 run defense snaps. Chicago signed tackles Neville Gallimore and Kentavius Street, but those moves aren't likely to move the needle significantly.
Dallas Cowboys
Need 1: Edge rusher
The trade for Rashan Gary will help, but his recent numbers suggest that he'll be more of a No. 2 guy on Dallas' defensive front. Last year's second-round pick, Donovan Ezeiruaku, flashed potential but finished with only two sacks, not to mention he may not be available until training camp after undergoing hip surgery in January. The 2025 Cowboys allowed the most points in the league, and it'll be hard for them to fix their defense without acquiring more talent up front.
Need 2: Linebacker
Dallas failed to add top free-agent LBs, and Kenneth Murray, who played the most snaps at the position last year, remains unsigned. With the Cowboys transitioning to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Christian Parker, they'll need to reinforce an unreliable group led by Shemar James and DeMarvion Overshown, who's played only 19 games since entering the NFL in 2023.
Need 3: Cornerback
Should the Cowboys use all of their picks on defense? Quite possibly. Dallas also needs more impact at corner. Free-agent signee Cobie Durant will likely start, but 2025 third-round pick Shavon Revel Jr. and former All-Pro DaRon Bland have struggled to stay healthy. Another starting-caliber CB would make a big difference for this unit.
Detroit Lions
Need 1: Offensive tackle
It sounds as if the Lions are ready to move Penei Sewell to left tackle following Taylor Decker's release. If that happens, they'll be looking for a right tackle, which is a lot easier to find than a blind side protector. Either way, landing a high-caliber tackle in the draft is of the utmost importance.
Need 2: Edge rusher
Al-Quadin Muhammad, whose 11 sacks were the second most on the team last year, is now in Tampa Bay. The only moves Detroit made to replace him were adding D.J. Wonnum (three sacks last season) and Payton Turner (five career sacks). Needless to say, the Lions still need to find a Robin to Aidan Hutchinson's Batman.
Need 3: Safety
The Lions' safety room is being held together by medical tape. Brian Branch tore his Achilles in December, and any playing time he offers in 2026 would be considered a bonus. Kerby Joseph, meanwhile, was hampered by a knee injury last season. This position used to be one of Detroit's biggest strengths, but it's now one of the team's most glaring questions.
Green Bay Packers
Need 1: Edge rusher
The Packers might as well post a "help wanted" sign outside the facility. Micah Parsons likely won't be ready for Week 1, Rashan Gary was traded, and Kingsley Enagbare left for the New York Jets. They ranked first, second, and fifth, respectively, in sacks among the team in 2025. There isn't a more pressing concern for Green Bay than its ability to get after the quarterback.
Need 2: Cornerback
Keisean Nixon is the only corner who's earned top billing in the Packers' secondary. They've gotten solid value out of former seventh-rounder Carrington Valentine but could use a better option. Although Benjamin St-Juste was a solid free-agent pickup, Green Bay needs to address the issue with a long-term focus rather than a patchwork job.
Need 3: Defensive line
The Packers will move to a 3-4 defense under Jonathan Gannon. Even if playing in base defense is more of an outdated concept in today's NFL, the change still requires adjustments, none more important than on the interior D-line. Green Bay picked up Javon Hargrave, but you can never throw enough bodies at an area of need, especially one that involves a transition in defensive philosophy.
Los Angeles Rams
Need 1: Wide receiver
Los Angeles has an excellent WR duo in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, but there's a massive talent gap between them and its other wideouts. Neither Nacua nor Adams have played a full season since 2023. A high-upside No. 3 receiver would immediately make the Rams more dangerous and eventually serve as a replacement for Adams, who turns 34 this year.
Need 2: Offensive tackle
Offensive tackles will be on the Rams' radar despite the position not being a major problem. The right tackle spot needs competition for Warren McClendon now that Rob Havenstein has retired. On the left side, starter Alaric Jackson is the only blocker with significant experience. Los Angeles' most-used O-line combo was on the field for only 33.1% of its plays last year. NFL teams, especially Super Bowl contenders, can never have enough linemen.
Need 3: Quarterback
Matthew Stafford is 38 and has one year left on his contract; this could be his final season. Stetson Bennett, who has no regular-season experience, is the Rams' only other QB. They could add a veteran, but we'd like to see Sean McVay working with a rookie who can potentially succeed Stafford.
Minnesota Vikings
Need 1: Safety
Whether or not Harrison Smith returns, the Vikings shouldn't overthink making safety a top priority. Minnesota's pass defense ranked second in the league in yards allowed last year, but it only intercepted eight passes. Getting a true ball hawk could make Brian Flores' unit that much scarier.
Need 2: Defensive tackle
The Vikings have a significant void in the middle of their D-line after moving on from Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. Minnesota took a big swing last offseason by signing the duo, though it resulted in a miss after they combined for just seven sacks. The team needs to take another crack at the position this year.
Need 3: Center
Ryan Kelly hung up his boots, so the Vikings need someone to fill his shoes. Kevin O'Connell recently said that Blake Brandel is in pole position for the job. Brandel, though, is not a natural center. Behind him is Michael Jurgens. That level of protection could make Minnesota's QBs lose sleep.
New Orleans Saints
Need 1: Wide receiver
Chris Olave had a great bounce-back season after an injury-plagued 2024, recording 1,163 yards on 100 catches. The cupboard is pretty bare beyond him though. The team's next-best pass-catcher was tight end Juwan Johnson, followed by Rashid Shaheed, who was traded midseason. If New Orleans wants to get maximum value out of quarterback Tyler Shough, it will need to provide him with a few more enticing targets.
Need 2: Cornerback
The Saints watched Swiss Army Knife defender Alontae Taylor sign a lucrative contract with the Tennessee Titans. Taylor, who can play on the boundary and in the slot, was truly a jack-of-all-trades piece for New Orleans. It won't be easy for the Saints to replace all of his attributes with one prospect, but they should try to cover at least one of those areas by drafting a promising corner.
Need 3: Edge rusher
Though many in New Orleans would love to see Cameron Jordan return for a 16th season with the franchise, the soon-to-be 37-year-old remains unsigned. Another pass-rusher would give the Saints a serviceable three-headed attack featuring Chase Young, who had 10 sacks last season, and Carl Granderson.
New York Giants
Need 1: Offensive line
New York's O-line allowed the 10th-most sacks and was only average in run-blocking last season. Although the club doesn't desperately need an upgrade at tackle, Andrew Thomas is often hurt. In the interior, there will likely be an open competition at right guard, considering 2025 starter Greg Van Roten is still unsigned. Plus, left guard Jon Runyan and center John Michael Schmitz are in the final year of their contracts.
Need 2: Defensive tackle
The Giants allowed 5.3 yards per carry in 2025 - the worst mark in the NFL - despite rostering three-time Pro Bowl tackle Dexter Lawrence and a standout group of edge defenders. They need to revitalize their D-line by adding more interior talent next to Lawrence.
Need 3: Cornerback
New York signed Greg Newsome to a one-year, prove-it contract this offseason, but its group of corners could use a bigger boost following a subpar 2025 campaign. The Giants should add a talented corner to help Newsome and Paulson Adebo, who aren't established lockdown defenders.
Philadelphia Eagles
Need 1: Edge rusher
Philadelphia is thin at edge rusher behind Nolan Smith after failing to re-sign Jaelan Phillips, and the arrivals of Arnold Ebiketie and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka don't really move the needle for the Eagles. They could opt to bring in a veteran defender as a one-year fix, but it makes more sense to explore the abundant talent among the 2026 class of pass-rushers.
Need 2: Offensive line
The Eagles' standout O-line took a step back last year as injuries affected key starters and exposed the unit's lack of depth. Prioritizing offensive linemen in the draft would give them more options and possibly a future starter or two. Star right tackle Lane Johnson and guard Landon Dickerson both considered retirement this offseason.
Need 3: Wide receiver
A.J. Brown's future is uncertain, and the Eagles will have to find another top weapon if they trade their primary receiver. Regardless, Philly needs depth, along with insurance for free-agent acquisition Hollywood Brown, who hasn't played a full season since 2020. Besides A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, no returning wide receiver had more than 100 yards in '25.
Seattle Seahawks
Need 1: Running back
If the season started today, Emanuel Wilson would likely be Seattle's top tailback. Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, and Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL in January. The Seahawks drafted both of them in the second round, and they should look for another RB in the earlier rounds this year.
Need 2: Defensive back
The Seahawks lost important members of their secondary as safety Coby Bryant and corner Riq Woolen left in free agency. They still roster elite defensive backs in Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori. However, in 2025, no team played at least five DBs simultaneously more than Seattle. Adding extra men to the secondary should be high on Mike Macdonald's to-do list.
Need 3: Edge rusher
Seattle's rotation of edge rushers took a hit with the departure of Boye Mafe. With DeMarcus Lawrence, Derick Hall, and Uchenna Nwosu still on board, the Seahawks aren't in dire need of another pass-rusher, but they should still look to add a new contributor to the group.
San Francisco 49ers
Need 1: Offensive line
Even if the 49ers resolve their contract impasse with star left tackle Trent Williams, they need to address their O-line. Williams turns 38 in July and has a long injury history. They also need competition among their interior linemen. Selecting a developmental offensive tackle and a versatile interior blocker is a high priority.
Need 2: Wide receiver
San Francisco signed Mike Evans and Christian Kirk this offseason, but the club needs more options. Evans, Kirk, and Ricky Pearsall have each missed several games due to injury over the past two years, and there isn't much talent behind them. Jauan Jennings remains unsigned, and star tight end George Kittle is rehabbing an Achilles injury, leaving his Week 1 availability uncertain.
Need 3: Edge rusher
The 49ers ranked dead last in sacks last season. Granted, the returns of Nick Bosa and 2025 first-round pick Mykel Williams will help, but the injured defensive ends won't be back until at least training camp. San Francisco can use more contributors up front.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Need 1: Edge rusher
The Buccaneers' lack of top-end production off the edge stands out like a sore thumb. YaYa Diaby led the team in sacks last year with seven. Free-agent signee Al-Quadin Muhammad had 11 as a member of the Lions, but Tampa Bay shouldn't be content stopping there. No one would be surprised if the franchise grabbed an edge rusher with its first selection.
Need 2: Interior offensive line
Remember last year when the Bucs moved their center to left tackle for three games to replace an injured Tristan Wirfs? It wasn't a total disaster because Graham Barton had experience at left tackle in college, but the situation wouldn't have been sustainable over a full season. The experiment also showed that Tampa Bay doesn't have enough depth in a critical area. The team should add more linemen in the draft, especially in the interior.
Need 3: Defensive line
On paper, the Buccaneers' defensive line appears to be in good shape with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and free-agent signee A'Shawn Robinson. However, there's no such thing as having enough depth. Vea and Robinson are entering their age-31 seasons, while Kancey has yet to play a full 17-game campaign. Beefing up this group wouldn't be a bad idea.
Washington Commanders
Need 1: Wide receiver
Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel were the only Commanders wideouts with 500-plus receiving yards in 2025. Samuel remains a free agent, so Washington is in need of a capable No. 2. If the team can find another quality pass-catcher, free-agent acquisitions Van Jefferson and Dyami Brown would serve as great depth pieces.
Need 2: Cornerback
The Commanders have signed several starting defenders this offseason, but they're still missing an imposing No. 1 corner. Washington parted ways with Marshon Lattimore, leaving Mike Sainristil, Trey Amos, Amik Robertson, and Ahkello Witherspoon as the faces of its revamped group.
Need 3: Center
Although Washington addressed many of its needs in free agency, its starting center for 2026 is still a question. The Commanders released Tyler Biadasz and missed out on top free-agent center Tyler Linderbaum. Veteran lineman Nick Allegretti is the top internal candidate for the job, but he's only played 178 snaps at the position.