The 2026 NFL draft wrapped up Saturday in Pittsburgh. The three-day occasion noticed 58 large receivers and tight ends drafted — tied for probably the most in a seven-round draft (i.e., since 1994) — and some early surprises, together with the Arizona Cardinals taking Notre Dame working again Jeremiyah Love at No. 3, the Tennessee Titans choosing Ohio State wideout Carnell Tate fourth and, maybe most of all, the Los Angeles Rams drafting Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson thirteenth.
There are 257 new faces becoming a member of the league, however will they assist clear up groups’ woes? What questions linger after the three-day participant choice extravaganza, and what comes subsequent?
We requested our NFL Nation reporters to inform us probably the most urgent query dealing with the groups they cowl popping out of this weekend. Learn their postdraft insights beneath.
Try ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper’s grades for all 32 draft lessons and analysts Jordan Reid and Matt Miller’s postdraft superlatives for extra perception into all seven rounds of the draft.
Soar to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
AFC EAST
Did the Payments do sufficient to deal with the protection?
The Payments put vital draft sources into their protection, utilizing six of the group’s 10 picks on the unit. Lots of the group’s latest gamers challenge to start as backups. In free company, the Payments added just a few new defenders (three projected starters) and shall be counting on gamers from final season’s group to mesh effectively in coordinator Jim Leonhard’s scheme.
GM Brandon Beane likes to signal free brokers after the draft, however how this unit comes collectively, or whether or not different investments ought to have been made, shall be an unknown till the season will get underway. — Alaina Getzenberg
Will taking Kadyn Proctor over Caleb Downs and Rueben Bain repay?
Dolphins normal supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan was concentrating on Proctor at decide No. 11 and obtained “free cash” within the type of two fifth-round picks from the Cowboys to maneuver down one spot. Sullivan spoke extremely of Proctor’s “uncommon” mix of measurement and talent, however Proctor’s profession will seemingly be in comparison with that of Downs and Bain, who have been on the board when Proctor was taken.
The Dolphins are assured they made the appropriate determination, and if Proctor reaches his full potential, it’s going to be laborious to argue in opposition to them. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
What is going to the draft compensation be if the Patriots, who did not choose a large receiver, commerce for A.J. Brown?
No two trades are the identical, however one of the vital latest high-profile receiver offers was for Jaylen Waddle, who was acquired by the Broncos in alternate for a package deal that included a late first-round decide. So it is smart that the Eagles may maintain out for a first-round decide, even when it means ready for 2028 or the decide is conditional on Brown reaching sure performance-based markers.
The Patriots, nonetheless, might level to the 2024 deal that despatched Stefon Diggs from Buffalo to Houston in a package deal that included a second-rounder as the highest chip. — Mike Reiss
Was drafting TE Kenyon Sadiq in Spherical 1 a luxurious decide?
Coach Aaron Glenn mentioned not too long ago that tight finish Mason Taylor, a 2025 second-round decide, goes to have “a hell of a yr” in 2026. Then got here the draft, and the Jets grew to become solely the fourth group over the previous 24 years to select a good finish within the first or second spherical in back-to-back years.
It is on new offensive coordinator Frank Reich to make it work. Search for an uptick in 12 personnel (1 RB, 2 TEs, 2 WRs). In Reich’s latest historical past as a playcaller, his utilization of 12 personnel was roughly the league common. — Wealthy Cimini
AFC NORTH
Who would be the Ravens’ beginning heart?
The Ravens made 11 picks within the draft however have been unable to fill their greatest want — heart. Nearly two months after dropping Professional Bowl heart Tyler Linderbaum in free company, Baltimore nonetheless has a gap in the midst of its offensive line.
Ravens normal supervisor Eric DeCosta mentioned the 2 prospects he favored have been surprisingly taken within the second spherical, and he did not imagine the opposite out there heart prospects might make a direct affect. “Because the Corridor of Fame normal supervisor [Ozzie Newsome] as soon as mentioned, ‘You do not play video games till September,’ and I feel we’ll have an incredible offensive line at that time,” DeCosta mentioned. “We now have a plan.” — Jamison Hensley
Are the Bengals ever going to get a linebacker?
Cincinnati nonetheless has not made a significant addition in the midst of its protection. Bengals assistant GM Steve Radicevic mentioned that is the way in which free company and the board fell, regardless of having linebackers queued up.
But it surely’s an indication the Bengals imagine Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter will proceed to enhance, particularly after Cincinnati added defensive tackles Dexter Lawrence and Jonathan Allen this offseason. — Ben Child
How shortly can the rookies on offense make an affect?
Eight of the Browns’ 10 draft picks have been on offense, and lots of needs to be poised for giant roles sooner fairly than later. No. 9 decide Spencer Fano will get a shot to be Cleveland’s franchise left deal with, and first-round large receiver KC Concepcion might very effectively begin reverse Jerry Jeudy in Week 1.
Second-round decide Denzel Boston supplies a singular talent set within the Browns’ large receiver room as a big-bodied goal, and although heart Parker Brailsford was a fifth-round decide, he has loads of expertise (42 school begins) and will push for a beginning function. — Daniel Oyefusi
Did the Steelers do sufficient to instantly handle their greatest holes?
Beginning with first-round decide Max Iheanachor — a deal with who started enjoying soccer solely 5 years in the past — the Steelers appeared to focus on developmental prospects with excessive upside but additionally loads of unknowns. The identical will be mentioned for third-round quarterback Drew Allar, third-round cornerback Daylen Everette and sixth-round defensive lineman Gabriel Rubio.
The Steelers may have the ability to afford having a number of developmental quarterbacks with the hope that Aaron Rodgers returns, however the deal with place may wish a plug-and-play contributor if Broderick Jones is not able to go following neck surgical procedure. — Brooke Pryor
AFC SOUTH
When will prime picks Keylan Rutledge and Kayden McDonald turn into starters?
Houston’s first- and second-round picks have principally began in Week 1 lately. Since 2023, Houston has drafted tackles Blake Fisher and Aireontae Ersery, together with guard Juice Scruggs, wideout Jayden Higgins, quarterback C.J. Stroud, defensive finish Will Anderson and cornerback Kamari Lassiter. Over that span, solely Fisher and Scruggs weren’t instant starters, largely as a result of Scruggs was injured and Fisher was behind two tackles on high-priced contracts on the time.
So it should not take lengthy earlier than Rutledge, a guard, and McDonald, a defensive deal with, earn beginning roles. — DJ Bien-Aime
Can the Colts nonetheless discover an affect move rusher?
The Colts let a number of veteran move rushers stroll in free company, and it stays to be seen whether or not 2025 second-round selection Jaylahn Tuimoloau can adequately take over a beginning job reverse Laiatu Latu. Indianapolis chosen two edge rushers on this draft — George Gumbs Jr. and Caden Curry — however they have been fifth- and sixth-round picks, respectively.
Will a viable veteran turn into out there in postdraft roster cuts? — Stephen Holder
How does the Jaguars’ move rush enhance?
The Jaguars completed twenty seventh in sacks (32) final season however did not add a move rusher in free company and did not draft an edge rusher till they took Wesley Williams, who had 11 whole sacks in his previous three school seasons, within the fourth spherical.
GM James Gladstone admitted that the move rush is not any higher at this time than when the season ended, however he is assured it will likely be because the defensive scheme evolves within the second yr underneath coordinator Anthony Campanile. It is unlikely the Jaguars will add any of the unsigned veteran move rushers out there, so the stress is on for the duo of Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker to step up manufacturing. — Michael DiRocco
Did the Titans do sufficient to deal with the inside offensive line?
Releasing heart Lloyd Cushenberry and never re-signing proper guard Kevin Zeitler meant two new beginning spots have been up for grabs. Veteran heart Austin Schlottmann was signed to assist, however he has by no means been a constant starter. Second-year guard Jackson Slater and veteran free agent Cordell Volson will battle at proper guard. The competitors shall be enhanced by Day 3 picks Fernando Carmona and Pat Coogan, however somebody must emerge to safe a spot. — Turron Davenport
AFC WEST
Did the Broncos add sufficient at tight finish?
Sure, the commerce for receiver Jaylen Waddle will add pop to the Broncos’ offense, and Waddle was primarily their first-round draft decide. And after a 14-win season, there aren’t many rookie snaps available in Denver. However the obtrusive predraft want for this group was at tight finish.
The Broncos did not decide till the third spherical and waited till the fifth spherical (Justin Joly) and the seventh spherical (Dallen Bentley) to make picks on the place. Bentley is a bodily participant with massive upside, however he’s extra of an in-line possibility at this stage. It’s Joly who might supply some instant assist at receiver, and the Broncos will seemingly want him to be able to contribute within the passing sport within the common season. — Jeff Legwold
How shortly can the Chiefs’ 4 defensive draft picks make an affect?
The Chiefs’ prime 4 picks have been all defenders. We all know cornerback Mansoor Delane will seemingly begin instead of Trent McDuffie. However the trio alongside Delane — defensive deal with Peter Woods, defensive finish R Mason Thomas and security Jadon Canady — ought to have alternatives to be rotational contributors. How effectively they do will seemingly decide how a lot of an enchancment the Chiefs’ protection makes in 2026. — Nate Taylor
Did the Raiders do sufficient to construct round quarterback Fernando Mendoza?
Certain, the Raiders did not land a large receiver comparable to Denzel Boston, Ted Hurst or Ja’Kobi Lane. However one other think about supporting a quarterback is a robust protection, and the Raiders made strides in that route.
Las Vegas improved its depth within the secondary, including two starting-caliber gamers in security Treydan Stukes and cornerback Jermod McCoy. Offensively, an environment friendly run sport is crucial to educate Klint Kubiak’s offense. By drafting Arkansas working again Mike Washington Jr., Las Vegas has an opportunity to kind a stable one-two punch with him and final yr’s first-round decide, Ashton Jeanty. Issue within the strikes the Raiders made throughout free company, and there seems to be a stable group round Mendoza. It isn’t a completed product, however not each rebuild can occur in a single day. — Ryan McFadden
Did the Chargers do sufficient to guard Justin Herbert?
This has been the most important query for this group since normal supervisor Joe Hortiz took the job in 2024. The Chargers drafted 4 offensive linemen, their most since 1991, led by second-round decide Jake Slaughter, a Florida heart.
L.A.’s greatest want was at guard, and Hortiz mentioned the expectation is that Slaughter will compete to begin at left guard. The one subject is that Slaughter by no means performed a school snap at guard, however the Chargers are banking on him upgrading this line and holding Herbert — the league’s most hit and pressured quarterback final season — upright in 2026. — Kris Rhim
NFC EAST
Have the Cowboys executed sufficient at linebacker?
The Cowboys gave a fifth-round decide to San Francisco for Dee Winters, who has began his previous 27 video games and had 101 tackles final season. Third-round decide Jaishawn Barham will start his profession at inside linebacker. The Cowboys already had DeMarvion Overshown, Shemar James and Justin Barron on the roster as off-ball linebackers.
Winters can stroll in as a starter, however government vp Stephen Jones mentioned the Cowboys will proceed to search for assist both via free company or the commerce market. However the transfer for Winters lowered the Cowboys’ want so as to add to the place instantly. — Todd Archer
How do the Giants fill out the Dexter Lawrence-less defensive position?
Normal supervisor Joe Schoen mentioned the Giants will keep in contact with the brokers of veterans DJ Reader, Shelby Harris and Benito Jones. The Giants may actually have a “couple extra” veterans go to. The underside line is the Giants will add a veteran to the combination. Drafting Bobby Jamison-Travis within the sixth spherical is not sufficient. — Jordan Raanan
How will the brand new additions slot in offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s scheme?
A.J. Brown is probably going on his manner out, as additional evidenced by the Eagles’ number of receiver Makai Lemon in Spherical 1. Philadelphia went with one other talent participant, tight finish Eli Stowers, within the second spherical. With these two prospects becoming a member of DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and Dontayvion Wicks, the brand new OC has loads of intriguing choices to work with as he shapes the offense in his imaginative and prescient. — Tim McManus
Have the Commanders executed sufficient round Jayden Daniels?
Washington drafted receiver Antonio Williams within the third spherical. Williams principally performed within the slot at Clemson, however he confirmed the flexibility to win outdoors. The Commanders wanted one other playmaker and explosiveness alongside No. 1 receiver Terry McLaurin.
They may additionally ultimately signal Brandon Aiyuk — although it stays unsure when the 49ers will launch him. And the Commanders did strengthen their protection, which is able to stop the offense from needing to put up massive numbers each sport. All of that can assist Daniels, however till Williams proves himself, there shall be questions. — John Keim
NFC NORTH
Will the Bears’ move rush be ok as is?
Solely one in all Chicago’s seven draft picks was spent on the defensive position, however not till the sixth spherical when the Bears traded as much as choose Georgia Tech defensive deal with Jordan van den Berg. The Bears exited the draft dealing with the identical massive query they’d coming into it.
The present move rush wants work, and barring a commerce that injects the D-line with affect expertise, the Bears will depend on Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker and Shemar Turner to enhance a unit that ranked thirty first in move rush win price and twenty ninth in stress proportion final season. — Courtney Cronin
Did the Lions fill their want at offensive deal with?
The Lions imagine they’ve. With seven offensive tackles taken within the opening spherical, some may query whether or not Clemson deal with Blake Miller was the best choice among the many early expertise out there, particularly with Georgia’s Monroe Freeling nonetheless on the board. However Lions GM Brad Holmes believes Miller, who’s more likely to begin at proper deal with, is an ideal match for Detroit, and primarily based on Holmes’ observe file within the draft (he has drafted a league-high seven Professional Bowlers since 2021) his eye for expertise needs to be revered. — Eric Woodyard
Do the Packers have one other Malik Willis?
Normal supervisor Brian Gutekunst did not draft a quarterback. And though he did not rule out buying one sooner or later earlier than the season, the backup spot behind Jordan Love is much from settled after dropping Willis to the Dolphins in free company.
They signed journeyman Desmond Ridder late final season and added free agent Kyle McCord within the offseason. May one in all them do what Willis did and assist the Packers win video games if Love will get harm?
“That’d be good,” Gutekunst mentioned. “I am excited in regards to the competitors in that room, and we’ll see if we add to it alongside the way in which. But it surely’s a extremely necessary factor for us. Jordan, the final two years has missed a while and we have wanted someone to come back in there and play at a excessive degree to assist win these video games, so whoever’s referred to as upon we’ll count on that. And whenever you lose a man like Malik, it’s one thing you are going to have to switch, and we’ll attempt to do this.” — Rob Demovsky
Will security Harrison Smith return?
On the finish of the season, all indicators have been pointing towards the longtime Vikings security retiring after 14 seasons. However free company and now the draft have come and gone, and Smith hasn’t made any public pronouncements.
The Vikings launched him March 11 however have let him know that they might welcome him again if he decides to play in 2026. The group drafted security Jakobe Thomas within the third spherical, however there have been no different notable additions on the place. The Vikings will transfer on in the event that they need to, however they know they may have a greater protection with Smith again on the sector. — Kevin Seifert
NFC SOUTH
Did the Falcons get considerably higher on both line?
New Falcons normal supervisor Ian Cunningham mentioned in his introductory information convention that he wished to construct Atlanta via the draft and the trenches. The Falcons needs to be pleased with their draft haul — they obtained potential starters in cornerback Avieon Terrell and large receiver Zachariah Department, in addition to high-upside picks throughout the board — however they didn’t essentially purchase affect gamers on both line.
Stopping the run was a priority for the Atlanta protection final season, and the Falcons did not decide up a defensive deal with within the draft till the sixth spherical in Anterio Thompson. — Marc Raimondi
Who’s the Panthers’ Week 1 starter at left deal with?
The Panthers did not have a timeline for beginning left deal with Ikem Ekwonu’s return after he ruptured a patellar tendon within the playoffs in January. The Panthers used their first-round decide on Georgia offensive deal with Monroe Freeling. If Ekwonu is not prepared for the beginning of the season, the large query is whether or not Freeling is able to begin instantly.
The Panthers signed veteran left deal with Rasheed Walker to a one-year, $10 million deal in free company, giving them one other choice to fill in for Ekwonu. — Katherine Terrell
Do the Saints maintain searching for a cornerback?
Saints normal supervisor Mickey Loomis mentioned they went into the draft desiring to get a cornerback early however “it simply did not work out.” The Saints drafted some developmental cornerbacks however have not designated somebody to fill the nickel function that was left empty when Alontae Taylor left in free company.
The Saints might transfer round some in-house candidates or maintain trying to see who they may add to their defensive backs room. — Katherine Terrell
Did the Bucs do sufficient to enhance their move protection?
The Bucs chosen edge rusher Rueben Bain within the first spherical to assist their move rush, and so they chosen nickelback Keionte Scott within the fourth spherical. Whereas the latter permits cornerback Jacob Parrish to compete for a beginning spot on the surface with Zyon McCollum and Benjamin Morrison, nook is a place that is ceaselessly stricken by accidents. Lots of the Bucs’ most difficult moments in 2025 got here when reserves have been exploited, such because the notorious third-and-28 and fourth-and-14 performs in opposition to the Falcons.
The Bucs allowed a 29.6% third-and-long conversion price in passing conditions in 2025 — eighth worst within the league. — Jenna Laine
NFC WEST
Who would be the Cardinals’ beginning proper deal with?
For now it is Elijah Wilkinson, however he may not be the longer term anchor of the appropriate aspect of Arizona’s line. The Cardinals drafted Chase Bisontis out of Texas A&M within the second spherical, and whereas he is a pure guard, he did play proper deal with as a freshman in school three years in the past. Arizona additionally took Ole Miss proper deal with Jayden Williams within the seventh spherical, however he has work to do to get on the sector as a rookie, leaving Arizona nonetheless looking for its proper deal with of the longer term. — Josh Weinfuss
Was it a threat to draft quarterback Ty Simpson at No. 13 as an alternative of a participant who might assist the Rams win the Tremendous Bowl in 2026?
Rams head coach Sean McVay and normal supervisor Les Snead made it clear this weekend that they do not imagine within the concept of being “a participant away” from profitable a Tremendous Bowl and mentioned they could not move up the possibility to draft Matthew Stafford’s inheritor obvious with the thirteenth decide.
If receivers Puka Nacua and Davante Adams can keep wholesome subsequent season, passing on a large receiver or one other move catcher may not be an enormous deal for Los Angeles. If both miss prolonged time, the Rams may want they’d drafted a participant who might assist them win proper now. — Sarah Barshop
Who will the 49ers begin at left guard and security?
The Niners choose to make use of their most respected draft capital on premium positions such because the defensive position and large receiver, however this yr was difficult primarily based on the place they have been drafting.
Security and left guard have been the positions in apparent want of starting-caliber gamers, however the 49ers did not handle the offensive line till late within the fourth spherical and did not choose a security, indicating they’re OK with the gamers in place and/or going to maintain a watch out for choices on the open market. Maybe a few of their in-house choices will emerge to solidify these spots, however the Niners usually tend to have competitions that linger into coaching camp and, maybe, past. — Nick Wagoner
Will Seahawks add an edge rusher?
With the assistance of 4 trades that turned a league-low 4 picks into eight, normal supervisor John Schneider addressed Seattle’s wants at working again (Jadarian Value), security (Bud Clark), cornerback (Julian Neal) and guard (Beau Stephens).
However the board apparently didn’t align for the Seahawks to take an edge rusher, the place they nonetheless haven’t added anybody to switch Boye Mafe and the 561 snaps he performed final season. Schneider mentioned they nonetheless may signal one. A reputation to keep watch over is veteran free agent Dante Fowler Jr., whom the Seahawks hosted for a go to earlier than the draft. — Brady Henderson
