Most of free agency is behind us. But in just under four weeks, the NFL Draft 2026 will be the next highlight and a great opportunity for all teams to further strengthen themselves and prepare for the new season in the best possible way. But which construction sites still need to be tackled in the NFC?
NFL: Team needs before the draft – the biggest construction sites in the NFC
The focus in every offseason is always on free agency, but for various reasons very few teams manage to strengthen themselves here so that they can go into the new season without major gaps in their squad. For this and also for the long-term future, the draft comes into play. The best talent from college is distributed among teams, with many looking to find new starters this way while others look at long-term alternatives.
You can watch the NFL Draft 2026 live from April 24th at 1 a.m. on NITRO and RTL+ for free!
Arizona Cardinals
Biggest Needs: QB, OL, LB
The Cardinals are apparently looking to start the new season with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew. But there would still be room for a rookie. In any case, the future should be clarified at right tackle and otherwise the linebacker corps. still equipped to be expanded.
Atlanta Falcons
Biggest Needs: QB, WR, EDGE, LB, CB
Even with Tua Tagovailoa on board, quarterback remains the big question mark for this team. In addition, the new additions to the receiving corps (Dotson, Zaccheaus) aren’t really big upgrades to best relieve pressure on Drake London – and tight end Kyle Pitts. James Pearce’s legal situation is already opening up the edge construction site again and the personnel level at linebacker is pretty thin. Making matters worse is that the Rams are holding their 13th pick in the draft.
Carolina Panthers
Biggest Needs: C, LB
Free agency already brought high-profile reinforcements to the defense in persona edge rusher Jaelan Phillips and linebacker Devin Lloyd. But the man next to him is still a construction site. You should also look more intensively for a new center, because former Saint Luke Fortner has not yet proven that he is up to the task in the long term.
Chicago Bears
Biggest needs: DL, OL, EDGE
Roughly speaking: The Bears are actually quite well positioned, but there is certainly a lack of squad depth on both lines. In addition, you have to look at the center at least critically after Dalman’s retirement and question whether Garrett Bradbury is the best solution here. Left tackle should also be reconsidered. Otherwise, more pass rush can’t hurt, as the positioning is still quite manageable here.
Dallas Cowboys
Biggest Needs: EDGE, CB, LB
Let’s put it this way: The Cowboys have improved the situation slightly with their previous moves. However, there is still a lack of a top pass rusher – Rashan Gary or not – who will noticeably raise the level at the front. Cornerback is still a weak spot even with Cobie Durant on the team and it still seems unclear who will ultimately play linebacker alongside DeMarvion Overshown.
Detroit Lions
Biggest Needs: OT, EDGE, LB
With the departure of Taylor Decker, the big question is who will play left tackle in the future. The internal options and new addition Larry Borom do not seem to be the final solution. In this respect, an upgrade would make sense. The edge position opposite Aidan Hutchinson also remains in focus. DJ Wonnum could start here, but more impact would definitely be possible. In addition, they could use someone with coverage skills at linebacker to complement Derrick Barnes.
Green Bay Packers
Biggest needs: DL, OL, CB, EDGE
Pass rush is one of the areas of this defense that seems problematic. There is Micah Parsons, who will sooner or later come back from his cruciate ligament tear. But after Gary’s departure there is a lack of support. This applies to the edge position as well as to the defensive line, where inside rushers are also in short supply. The cornerback group also doesn’t look very impressive. Offensively, the focus should be on the O-line, where left tackle Rasheed Walker needs to be replaced. Bonus point: If possible, a better backup QB than Desmond Ridder would be advisable.
Los Angeles Rams
Biggest Needs: WR, LB, QB
This team no longer has any major weaknesses after expensively upgrading its secondary. In this respect, we go into detail and find that the receiving corps behind Puka Nacua and Davante Adams is quite thin. You could add more here. Likewise at linebacker, where a man of stature for Nate Landman – even if he probably wouldn’t be called like a Taylor Sheridan success series and would therefore pale next to him – would be a good choice. And then there is the personnel of the backup quarterback, because as of now Jimmy Garoppolo is no longer there and who knows whether Stetson Bennett is trusted?
Minnesota Vikings
Biggest Needs: S, DL, C
If Harrison Smith actually hangs up the cleats, there will be a big vacuum at safety. This then needs to be filled. The defensive line has given up a lot and reliable defensive tackles are in short supply. In addition, the end of center Ryan Kelly’s career after just one year may have changed the perspective here too. Do you trust Blake Brandel? At least: With Kyler Murray the QB question should be clarified for now.
New Orleans Saints
Biggest Needs: WR, DT, EDGE
The Saints did some good things in free agency. But the biggest gap still remained on the list, namely wide receiver. Other than Chris Olave, there is simply no one here who would be good enough to be a real help for Tyler Shough. However, someone should be found here at position eight in the draft. Otherwise, the defensive front is a big issue, because reinforcements are particularly needed at defensive tackle. An upgrade at the edge position can’t hurt either.
New York Giants
Biggest Needs: OL, DT, LB, WR
Despite some new additions, the right guard position is still not adequately filled and should be discussed in the draft at the latest. Offensively, Jaxson Dart could also use another weapon, especially since it is not clear when and in what condition Malik Nabers will return. Defensively, the tackle position next to Dexter Lawrence is manageable and additions are urgently needed, as is the case at linebacker, where Tremaine Edmunds was signed, but otherwise there is little quality. Is this perhaps the spot for Sonny Styles – fifth in the draft?
Video: NFL Combine: The Sonny Styles Show
Philadelphia Eagles
Biggest Needs: EDGE, S, WR
Jaelan Phillips was a real asset to the Eagles. Now that he’s gone again, we’re back to square one and need to make improvements when it comes to pass rush. Free agency has made safety the next major construction site, as Marcus Epps would currently be the starter there alongside Andrew Mukuba and that’s not necessarily ideal. In addition, the Sparrows have been whistling about the departure of wide receiver AJ Brown from the rooftops for weeks now, which is why a wide receiver in the early rounds would be a possibility – and a clear indicator – to offset that.
San Francisco 49ers
Biggest Needs: EDGE, WR, OL, DL
Although Nick Bosa is coming back, the overall pass rush was hardly a factor for last year’s Niners. This needs to be improved. There is also a need for a run stopper in the middle of the defensive line. Offensively, two well-known additions to the Bay Area, Mike Evans and Christian Kirk, came to the Bay Area, but neither of them is particularly explosive, especially not after the catch. And when it comes to the offensive line, you should at least look inside for upgrades.
Seattle Seahawks
Biggest needs: RB, OG, S
The Seahawks weren’t particularly busy in free agency and most notably lost Kenneth Walker. However, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed was considered for this. Accordingly, a new lead back would be an asset, especially since Zach Charbonnet also has to come back from his cruciate ligament tear. Right guard is still an issue and the departure of Coby Bryant has to be compensated for at safety.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Biggest Needs: EDGE, LB, OL
The Bucs once stood for a very strong pass rush. In order to get back there, reinforcements are definitely needed in the edge positions. In addition, veteran linebacker Lavonte David has now officially ended his career and needs to be replaced – Alex Anzalone is a start, but certainly cannot be the ideal solution. The Interior O-Line could also use reinforcements.
Washington Commander
Biggest Needs: WR, DL
The Commanders were extremely aggressive in free agency and most importantly revamped their defense with several new edge rushers, a linebacker and two new defensive backs. However, the interior of the defensive line could also use an upgrade against the run. However, the overarching theme, especially early in the draft, is likely to be wide receiver, where Terry McLaurin is not getting any younger and the quality next to and behind him is manageable. However, a remedy is possible with the seventh pick.
