The NFL offseason is a time for groups to reset and reevaluate their rosters to be in higher form subsequent season than the previous one. Franchises begin to fill roster holes early within the offseason by means of trades and free company and proceed into the draft. Some NFL groups draft for want, and a few draft strictly with an eye fixed on expertise. Both means, most groups nonetheless have weaknesses on their rosters even after the draft.
At this level within the offseason, a roster gap doesn’t essentially imply it is a place with no clear starters. Most groups have crammed all their holes however are left with sure items the place the depth is sketchy.
Under, I took a take a look at the most important remaining holes for all 32 NFL rosters now that the 2026 draft is finished. (Lots of the superior stats referenced beneath — together with DVOA — are defined right here.) Let’s go by division, beginning with the AFC East.
Leap to:
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
Left guard
After David Edwards left for the Saints in free company, the Payments have a number of choices on the place however no clear starter. One risk is veteran Austin Corbett, who handled accidents in 2023 and 2024 however began 11 video games for Carolina final season. One other risk is third-year lineman Alec Anderson, who performed the function of additional tight finish in six-lineman units for the previous two seasons.
The Payments additionally used a fourth-round choose on Jude Bowry, and a few are projecting that he’ll swap from sort out to protect within the professionals. If the Payments need to add yet one more veteran free agent who can play left guard, an ideal possibility can be Joel Bitonio, who spent his complete profession in Cleveland and may be prepared to signal for much less cash with a chance to pursue a Tremendous Bowl title in Buffalo.
Security
The Dolphins have loads of positions the place there is not actually a gap, per se, only a assortment of uninspiring veterans and middle-round picks. The one which stands out most is security.
At the moment penciled in to start out at security are veteran Lonnie Johnson Jr., who’s 30 and has began solely three video games prior to now 4 seasons, and Dante Dealer Jr., who began simply three video games as a fifth-round rookie in 2025 however managed to make 55 tackles. Behind the starters, fourth-round choose Kyle Louis (a linebacker-safety hybrid) and fifth-round choose Michael Taaffe are subsequent in line. The out there safeties in free company embrace Donovan Wilson (31 years previous), Xavier Woods (31) and Taylor Rapp (29).
Cornerback depth
No beginning place is an issue for the defending AFC champions, however there are areas the place depth might use bolstering. Cornerback stands out behind starters Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones.
The highest backup is Kindle Vildor, who’s on his sixth roster since 2022. Vildor has performed solely 23% of defensive snaps in video games the place he was energetic over the previous two seasons. Fifth-round rookie Karon Prunty was seen as a attain by consensus boards, and Scouts Inc. did not even rank him amongst their high 300 gamers for this 12 months’s draft. Charles Woods, the backup nickel, performed 117 snaps for the Patriots final season. Veterans equivalent to Adoree’ Jackson and Rasul Douglas can be attention-grabbing selections for depth.
Broad receiver
The Jets have a star move catcher in Garrett Wilson and introduced in first-round choose Omar Cooper Jr., however proper now, the third beginning wideout is about to be Adonai Mitchell.
The Jets introduced him over from the Colts in a commerce final 12 months, and whereas he has a ton of expertise, he hasn’t developed within the NFL. Mitchell had simply 33 catches for 453 yards and two touchdowns final season in eight video games for the Colts and Jets. Behind the starters, the Jets have 2025 fourth-round choose Arian Smith, return specialist Isaiah Williams and a bunch of previous UDFAs with little NFL expertise.
AFC North
Heart
The Ravens had been unable to retain Tyler Linderbaum, and now have a significant gap on the heart place. Corey Bullock, a 2024 UDFA, has performed a grand whole of 13 offensive snaps in the course of the common season. Jovaughn Gwyn has performed 11 snaps in three seasons with Atlanta.
The choice may be to maneuver over a guard equivalent to Andrew Vorhees. Out there veterans on the free agent market embrace Ryan Kelly, Ethan Pocic and Liam Eichenberg.
Broad receiver depth
Clearly, the Bengals are in deep trouble if Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins goes down, however frankly they don’t seem to be actually in an ideal place in the event that they lose slot receiver Andrei Iosivas both.
Proper now, the highest outdoors backup is fourth-round rookie Colbie Younger. The highest slot backup is Charlie Jones, who has caught only one regular-season move over the previous two years. There are a variety of veteran receivers nonetheless available on the market; Deebo Samuel may be a bit pricey for a fourth receiver, however the unrelated Curtis Samuel may be a good selection.
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Quarterback
The Browns have three quarterbacks who will battle for the beginning job in 2025, however it’s laborious to faux that any of them have been good. Final season, as rookies, Dillon Gabriel had a QBR of 31.4 and Shedeur Sanders was at 18.9. The season earlier than, veteran Deshaun Watson had a 21.0 QBR earlier than tearing an Achilles. Cleveland may need to attend for the 2027 draft to pick out its future franchise quarterback.
Broad receiver depth
If we assume that Aaron Rodgers is returning to play quarterback, then Pittsburgh’s two-deep depth chart is fairly strong. There are many common gamers, however it’s laborious to seek out locations the place the Steelers have to go from unhealthy to common.
The most important query may be what the Steelers will do if a receiver suffers an harm or if rookie Germie Bernard struggles. Roman Wilson barely performed in his rookie season and had simply 12 catches in 2025, his second season. Ben Skowronek could be a helpful jack-of-all-trades however has solely 9 receptions over his two seasons in Pittsburgh. Fourth-round choose Kaden Wetjen is primarily a return specialist.
AFC South
Edge rusher depth
The Texans’ beginning edge rushers are excellent, with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter combining for 27 sacks final season. Nonetheless, edge rushers do not play each snap on protection. Final 12 months, Anderson performed 67% of defensive snaps, whereas Hunter performed 70%. And the depth chart behind Anderson and Hunter is weak now that Derek Barnett and Denico Autry are gone.
Dominique Robinson, who signed in free company, had simply 1.5 sacks in 12 video games final season with the Bears. Dylan Horton has solely a half sack over three seasons in Houston. The Texans are the proper touchdown spot for a veteran move rusher who can play a rotational function, whether or not that is Haason Reddick, Joey Bosa or Leonard Floyd. Barnett and Autry are additionally nonetheless unsigned.
Broad receiver
The Colts handed Alec Pierce an enormous new contract however forgot to get receiver to play throughout from him. The second outdoors receiver penciled in is Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, who had simply 11 receptions for 89 yards final season in Miami. His profession numbers are juiced by 9 touchdowns in 2024, however Westbrook-Ikhine has by no means topped 500 yards in a season. Behind him are veteran Ashton Dulin, who has seven catches over the previous two seasons, and third-year receiver Anthony Gould, who has three profession catches.
Seventh-rounder Deion Burks might play a job. Clearly, tight finish Tyler Warren performs an enormous half within the Colts’ passing sport, and Josh Downs is robust within the slot, however it’s nonetheless a good suggestion to improve at large receiver.
Edge rusher depth
Jacksonville wants a veteran rotational edge rusher behind starters Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen. The third edge rusher is B.J. Inexperienced II, a 2025 UDFA, who had two sacks as a rookie. The opposite rotational edge rusher might be 2026 fourth-rounder Wesley Williams.
Sure, Arik Armstead might typically kick out to the sting, however the Jaguars want to contemplate the identical veteran free agent edge rushers who’re listed above for his or her rivals in Houston.
Proper guard
The Titans have loads of our bodies to throw at this downside, however none of them are established starters. Former Bengals starter Cordell Volson missed all of final season with a shoulder harm, however earlier than that, he ranked 61st out of 64 qualifying guards in move block win fee in 2024. Jackson Slater, a 2025 fifth-round choose, did not begin a sport as a rookie, and the Titans did not choose an offensive lineman on this 12 months’s draft till Fernando Carmona within the fifth spherical.
AFC West
Proper defensive finish
First-team All-Professional Zach Allen holds down the left finish spot in Denver’s 3-4 base protection, however who might be on the precise aspect? Eyioma Uwazurike is in his fifth season with the Broncos and has began just one sport. He performed 36% of Denver’s defensive snaps final season. Final 12 months’s third-round choose, Sai’vion Jones, performed solely 2.9% of snaps. And this 12 months’s third-rounder, Tyler Onyedim, may not be able to play vital snaps for a critical playoff contender.
Broad receiver
The efficiency of the Chiefs’ large receivers, in keeping with ESPN’s receiver scores final season, had been considerably unhealthy. Rashee Rice is mostly believed to be one of many league’s high slot receivers, however he scored only a 49 out of 100 in an off season. Tyquan Thornton had a 36 and Xaiver Worthy only a 25.
The highest participant behind these three receivers is 2025 fourth-round choose Jalen Royals, who had simply two catches in his rookie season for 4 yards. The Chiefs even have return specialist Nikko Remigio and fifth-round rookie Cyrus Allen. They actually should add a veteran free agent right here.
Outdoors large receiver
The Raiders have large receivers, however nobody is established as a No. 1 possibility. (Sure, their No. 1 receiver is tight finish Brock Bowers, however it’s nonetheless good to have anyone drawing consideration outdoors.) Tre Tucker goes into his fourth season and had 57 catches for 696 yards and 5 touchdowns final season, however he additionally had a rating of simply 29 out of 100 within the ESPN receiver scores. Jack Bech (20 catches for 224 yards) and Dont’e Thornton Jr. (10 catches for 135 yards) underwhelmed of their rookie seasons. Dareke Younger had simply 4 receptions in 4 seasons with Seattle earlier than signing with Las Vegas this offseason, and rookie Malik Benson is a sixth-round choose.
Proper guard
The Chargers in all probability do not consider it is a gap as a result of they signed Cole Unusual from the Dolphins and have Trevor Penning round as an all-purpose backup lineman. Nonetheless, Unusual underwhelmed as a 2022 first-round choose in New England, and even in his finest season final 12 months, he ranked solely fortieth amongst guards in move block win fee and forty eighth in run block win fee. Penning washed out in New Orleans and would additionally make a below-average starter.
NFC East
Edge rusher
The Cowboys have a surprisingly strong two-deep throughout their depth chart. Edge rusher is a place that is not a gap, per se, however positively has questions.
Rashan Gary, acquired from Inexperienced Bay, did not have a sack within the remaining 10 video games of final season. Donovan Ezeiruaku is coming off hip surgical procedure and has been restricted within the offseason. Sam Williams had only one sack in 2025. James Houston had 5.5 sacks however could not play towards the run. Marist Liufau is transferring to the sting however hasn’t performed the place earlier than. And first-rounder Malachi Lawrence is a promising rookie, however he is nonetheless a rookie.
Heart
Now that the Giants have signed Shelby Harris and DJ Reader to fill holes alongside the defensive entrance, they have no evident holes within the beginning lineup. Nonetheless, they do have weaknesses, and considered one of them is John Michael Schmitz Jr., who has by no means fairly lived as much as his second-round draft potential within the heart of the offensive line.
Final 12 months, Schmitz ranked twenty third amongst beginning facilities with a 94.1% move block win fee and twenty seventh with a 65.1% run block win fee. The Giants introduced in veteran Lucas Patrick to again up Schmitz, however Patrick performed in solely six video games for the Bengals final season, partly because of a calf harm, and might be 33 years previous this season.
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Sturdy security
Andrew Mukuba had a wonderful rookie season at one security place, however the Eagles have questions on the different with Reed Blankenship gone. The starter penciled in is Marcus Epps, who began 4 video games final season after returning to the Eagles following two seasons with Las Vegas. If Epps had been harm, the Eagles may need to make use of a transformed cornerback equivalent to Michael Carter II or Jonathan Jones, or maybe J.T. Grey. Grey is a former All-Professional particular groups gunner, however he did not play a defensive snap within the 2025 common season.
Broad receiver
There’s a assortment of gamers behind Terry McLaurin ready for somebody to interrupt out. Is Treylon Burks able to be a starter after three seasons of struggling in Tennessee adopted by a number of notable catches in 2025 for Washington? Can Luke McCaffrey increase previous the 11 catches for 203 yards and three touchdowns that he had in his second season? Or is rookie third-rounder Antonio Williams prepared for the large time? The Commanders even have Jaylin Lane, who had 16 receptions for 225 yards as a rookie final season, and veteran Dyami Brown, who had 227 yards in Jacksonville in 2025.
NFC North
Slot receiver
The Bears use a whole lot of two tight-end units. Nonetheless, they nonetheless had been in 11 personnel 52% of the time final season, so they should have a 3rd beginning receiver to go along with Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III. Proper now, that is veteran Kalif Raymond, however Raymond is 31 and has had lower than 300 yards in every of the previous two seasons. The opposite different is third-round rookie Zavion Thomas. Deebo Samuel can be a extremely attention-grabbing free agent signing right here.
Proper guard
This is not a gap the Lions are going to attempt to plug as a result of they’re relying on enchancment from 2025 second-round choose Tate Ratledge. Nonetheless, he was an actual weak point final season. Ratledge’s move block win fee of 87.4% ranked 63rd out of 65 qualifying guards, and his run block win fee of 69.9% was beneath common.
Edge rusher
Broad receiver depth can be a problem for the Packers, however at the very least their three beginning receivers are all supposed to start out the season wholesome. What occurs to the Packers’ protection if Micah Parsons, who suffered a torn ACL in December, is just not prepared for Week 1?
The opposite beginning edge rusher is slated to be Lukas Van Ness, who had simply 1.5 sacks in 9 video games final season. The highest backups are fourth-round rookie Dani Dennis-Sutton and Barryn Sorrell, who had 1.5 sacks whereas taking part in 16% of the Packers’ defensive snaps as a rookie final season. It is a group that actually must discover the remaining free brokers within the veteran edge rusher market.
Broad receiver
Justin Jefferson? Among the best. Jordan Addison? The Vikings fortunately picked up his fifth-year possibility. However what a couple of third beginning large receiver? Tai Felton, who had three catches as a rookie in 2025 is the choice for now. There is no depth right here, both, because the Vikings do not have one other large receiver who was both drafted or has ever caught an everyday season move within the NFL. Would Stefon Diggs wish to return to the place his profession began? How about some curiosity in Jauan Jennings or Deebo Samuel? The Vikings want a veteran receiver addition.
Replace: The Vikings agreed to phrases with Jennings on Thursday night time.
NFC South
Outdoors large receiver
Positive, the Falcons might depend on Jahan Dotson, who signed from the Eagles this offseason. However final 12 months, Dotson had a 24 out of 100 rating in ESPN’s receiver scores, practically on the backside of the league. Dotson had fewer than 300 receiving yards in every of the previous two seasons. Atlanta’s different free agent signing, Olamide Zaccheaus, is extra of a slot receiver, whereas third-round choose Zachariah Department is strictly a slot receiver. Behind Dotson on the depth chart are Casey Washington and Deven Thompkins, who mixed to catch simply 9 passes for the Falcons final season.
Operating again
The Panthers let Rico Dowdle depart in free company and are planning to start out Chuba Hubbard, who was wonderful in 2024 however final 12 months had the bottom prevented sort out fee amongst backs with at the very least 100 carries, in keeping with FTN charting. The highest again behind Hubbard is Jonathon Brooks, who tore an ACL in 2023 and 2024 and has simply 9 carries over his first two NFL seasons. Trevor Etienne had 94 yards on 20 carries in 2025, whereas veteran AJ Dillon barely noticed the sphere for the Eagles. Carolina ranked ninth in run offense DVOA for the primary half of the season, however solely twenty second from Week 10 onward.
‘Elusive’ slot receiver
What the Saints are lacking is extra about an archetype moderately than a place. Their high receivers are all tall gamers who concentrate on taking part in on the skin. Chris Olave is the shortest of the highest 4 Saints receivers at 6-foot, however he is definitely not an elusive slot man. Rookies Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance are 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-3, respectively. Devaughn Vele is an enormous slot at 6-foot-5.
For a smaller, elusive slot receiver, the Saints have third-year participant Mason Tipton, however Tipton had simply 11 catches for 76 yards in 14 video games final season. Additionally they have sixth-round rookie, Barion Brown, however it is a place the place the Saints might use one other veteran.
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Outdoors cornerback depth
The Buccaneers have loads of choices within the slot. Tykee Smith was a nickel a few seasons in the past, Jacob Parrish was a nickel in 2025 and fourth-round rookie Keionte Scott is a good nickel/security hybrid addition.
However what occurs if there’s an harm to one of many beginning outdoors cornerbacks, both Zyon McCollum or Benjamin Morrison? The third outdoors nook is Josh Hayes, who did not play a single defensive snap final season. The fourth outdoors nook is Damarion Williams, who hasn’t performed any common season snaps since 2023. Veterans equivalent to Trevon Diggs and L’Jarius Sneed make sense right here if they are often signed.
NFC WEST
Broad receiver
My first suggestion was going to be heart, however whereas Hjalte Froholdt was poor in move block win fee (93.9%) final season, he was wonderful in run block win fee (74.1%). As a substitute, let us take a look at the large receiver depth chart.
Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson are the highest two right here, however it is going to be attention-grabbing to see how a lot Kendrick Bourne can deliver as a 3rd possibility. He managed to make 37 catches for 551 yards final season in San Francisco, however he’s 30. Then depth behind these three is a matter. Devin Duvernay is primarily a return specialist, Xavier Weaver had solely seven catches in 2025, and gamers equivalent to Andre Baccellia and Simi Fehoko have been bouncing between the apply squad and the roster for years. The Cardinals even have fifth-round rookie Reggie Virgil.
Broad receiver depth
There are a variety of gamers behind Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, however none of them significantly stand out. The Rams did not spend money on a receiver by way of the draft till CJ Daniels within the sixth spherical. Deep menace Xavier Smith had 18 catches for 303 yards final season, whereas Jordan Whittington — well-regarded for his run blocking — had 18 catches for 171 yards. Konata Mumpfield had 10 catches for 92 yards with a landing as a rookie. The Rams can get worth out of those gamers.
Left guard
There are 4 gamers able to compete for the place. The possible starter is Connor Colby, who began six video games final season as a seventh-round rookie. The 49ers additionally signed Robert Jones, who began a full season for Miami in 2024 after which signed with Dallas however misplaced your entire 2025 season to a damaged bone in his neck.
The opposite two choices are attainable tackle-to-guard conversions from this 12 months’s draft: fourth-rounder Carver Willis and fifth-rounder Enrique Cruz Jr. Each gamers had been drafted increased than Scouts Inc. had them ranked for ESPN. (Willis was ranked 206th and went 127th, whereas Cruz was ranked 258th and went 179th.)
Edge rusher depth
The Seahawks wish to rotate their edge rushers, as their high 4 final season all performed between 36% and 56% of defensive snaps. Nonetheless, Boye Mafe left in free company and was by no means changed. DeMarcus Lawrence is 34, and Uchenna Nwosu might be 30 in December. Behind these two gamers and Derick Corridor are Patrick O’Connell (one sack in three seasons) and Jared Ivey (solely performed in two video games final season).
This could be a great spot for a veteran who desires a shot at a hoop, equivalent to Joey Bosa, Haason Reddick or Leonard Floyd — or the Seahawks might go youthful with AJ Epenesa or Mike Danna. The Seahawks helped repair this gap on Tuesday by signing veteran Dante Fowler Jr.
