2026 NFL Draft Picks: Team Insights and Analysis

2026 NFL Draft Picks: Team-by-Team Analysis

1. Tennessee Titans – Will Campbell, OT
The Titans select Will Campbell to anchor their offensive line, addressing a critical need to protect their quarterback and establish a dominant run game. Campbell’s combination of size, athleticism, and proven performance in college makes him a plug-and-play starter, and his presence should immediately elevate both pass protection and run-blocking schemes. With the Titans looking to rebuild and provide stability up front, Campbell’s selection is foundational for their 2026 plans.

2. Cleveland Browns – Mason Graham, DT
The Browns opt for Mason Graham to bolster their defensive front, prioritizing interior disruption and run defense. Graham’s quickness off the snap and ability to penetrate the backfield will help Cleveland control the line of scrimmage. With the AFC North’s physical style, Graham’s addition is crucial for neutralizing rival rushing attacks and generating interior pressure, which has been a missing piece for the Browns.

3. New York Giants – Abdul Carter, LB
The Giants address their defensive leadership by drafting Abdul Carter, a linebacker with sideline-to-sideline range and playmaking instincts. Carter’s ability to diagnose plays and contribute in coverage fills a longstanding gap in New York’s defense, providing a modern, versatile linebacker who can anchor the middle for years to come. This pick reflects the Giants’ focus on rebuilding their defensive core.

4. New England Patriots – Armand M’bai, CB
New England selects Armand M’bai to reinforce their secondary, prioritizing coverage skills and ball-hawking ability. M’bai’s physicality and technique fit the Patriots’ defensive philosophy, and his presence should help the Patriots match up better against the AFC’s elite receivers. This pick addresses both immediate and long-term needs in the defensive backfield.

5. Jacksonville Jaguars – Cam Ward, QB
The Jaguars take a swing at quarterback with Cam Ward, betting on his arm talent and upside. Ward’s mobility and ability to make plays off-script give Jacksonville a dynamic option under center, which is vital as the franchise seeks a long-term answer at the game’s most important position. This pick is about finding a face of the franchise and elevating the offense.

6. Las Vegas Raiders – Ashton Jeanty, RB
Las Vegas selects Ashton Jeanty to inject explosiveness into their backfield. Jeanty’s combination of vision, speed, and receiving ability makes him a modern three-down back. With questions surrounding their offensive identity, Jeanty’s versatility will be central to the Raiders’ efforts to balance their attack and support their quarterback.

7. New York Jets – Travis Hunter, CB/WR
The Jets choose Travis Hunter for his rare two-way ability, but he projects as a cornerback at the next level. Hunter’s elite athleticism and ball skills make him a potential shutdown corner, and his playmaking will be invaluable in the AFC East. This pick is about adding a difference-maker to a defense that needs more star power.

8. Carolina Panthers – Jalon Walker, LB
Carolina adds Jalon Walker to reinforce the heart of their defense. Walker’s speed, tackling, and leadership qualities fill a void at linebacker and align with the Panthers’ tradition of defensive excellence. His ability to cover ground and contribute in multiple facets makes him a key building block for 2026.

9. New Orleans Saints – Tyler Warren, TE
The Saints select Tyler Warren to provide a reliable target in the passing game and a strong presence as a blocker. With uncertainty at quarterback and a need for offensive weapons, Warren’s versatility at tight end gives New Orleans a security blanket and a red-zone threat as they retool their offense.

10. Chicago Bears – Jahdae Barron, DB
Chicago drafts Jahdae Barron to upgrade their secondary, focusing on his coverage instincts and tackling ability. Barron’s versatility allows him to play multiple roles in the defensive backfield, giving the Bears flexibility and depth as they look to improve their pass defense.

11. San Francisco 49ers – Colston Loveland, TE
The 49ers select Colston Loveland to complement their dynamic offense. Loveland’s athleticism and route-running ability make him a perfect fit for San Francisco’s creative scheme, providing another weapon for their quarterback and easing the transition as George Kittle ages.

12. Dallas Cowboys – Mykel Williams, DL
Dallas targets Mykel Williams to strengthen their defensive line. Williams’ pass-rushing prowess and stoutness against the run address a need for more disruption up front. His ability to collapse the pocket and set the edge will help the Cowboys maintain their defensive identity.

13. Miami Dolphins – Walter Nolen, DT
The Dolphins add Walter Nolen to their defensive interior, prioritizing size and power. Nolen’s ability to command double teams and disrupt plays in the backfield is crucial for Miami’s defense, especially in a division with strong running games.

14. Indianapolis Colts – Kelvin Banks Jr., OT
Indianapolis selects Kelvin Banks Jr. to protect their young quarterback and solidify the offensive line. Banks’ athleticism and technique make him a cornerstone left tackle, and his arrival should help both the passing and running games flourish.

15. Atlanta Falcons – Jihaad Campbell, LB
Atlanta brings in Jihaad Campbell to add speed and playmaking to their linebacker group. Campbell’s range and ability to blitz or drop into coverage make him a valuable chess piece for the Falcons’ evolving defense.

16. Arizona Cardinals – Teitaiaroa McMillan, WR
The Cardinals draft Teitaiaroa McMillan to give their offense a big-play threat. McMillan’s size and catch radius make him a red-zone weapon, and his ability to stretch the field will open up opportunities for the rest of the offense.

17. Cincinnati Bengals – James Pearce Jr., EDGE
Cincinnati selects James Pearce Jr. to boost their pass rush. Pearce’s explosiveness off the edge addresses a need for more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, which is vital in the pass-heavy AFC North.

18. Seattle Seahawks – Nick Evers, QB
Seattle takes Nick Evers, betting on his upside as a developmental quarterback. With the need to plan for the future at the position, Evers’ athleticism and arm strength give the Seahawks a potential long-term answer.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Grey Ziemer, OT
The Buccaneers select Grey Ziemer to reinforce their offensive line. Ziemer’s physicality and consistency make him a safe pick to protect their quarterback and improve the run game.

20. Denver Broncos – Josh Conerly Jr., OT
Denver adds Josh Conerly Jr. to address persistent issues at tackle. Conerly’s athleticism and upside fit the Broncos’ need for better pass protection and run blocking as they rebuild their offense.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers – Emeka Egbuka, WR
The Steelers draft Emeka Egbuka to add explosiveness to their receiving corps. Egbuka’s route running and after-the-catch ability provide a dynamic target for their quarterback and diversify Pittsburgh’s offense.

22. Los Angeles Chargers – Shedeur Sanders, QB
The Chargers select Shedeur Sanders as their quarterback of the future. Sanders’ poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities make him an ideal fit for a franchise in transition, and his arrival signals a new era for Los Angeles.

23. Green Bay Packers – Donovan Edwards, RB
Green Bay adds Donovan Edwards to their backfield, focusing on his dual-threat ability as a runner and receiver. Edwards’ versatility will be key in keeping the Packers’ offense balanced and unpredictable.

24. Minnesota Vikings – Shemar Stewart, EDGE
The Vikings select Shemar Stewart to inject youth and athleticism into their pass rush. Stewart’s burst and power off the edge provide a much-needed boost to Minnesota’s defensive front.

25. Houston Texans – Malaki Starks, S
Houston drafts Malaki Starks to upgrade their secondary. Starks’ range, instincts, and physicality make him a difference-maker at safety, helping the Texans defend against the pass and support the run.

26. Los Angeles Rams – Tyler Booker, OG
The Rams select Tyler Booker to strengthen their interior offensive line. Booker’s power and technique in the run game and pass protection are crucial for a team looking to reestablish dominance up front.

27. Baltimore Ravens – Maxwell Hairston, CB
Baltimore adds Maxwell Hairston to their secondary, focusing on his coverage skills and ball production. Hairston’s ability to match up with top receivers fits the Ravens’ defensive philosophy.

28. Detroit Lions – Matthew Golden, WR
The Lions select Matthew Golden to provide another explosive weapon for their offense. Golden’s speed and playmaking ability after the catch will help Detroit stretch the field and keep defenses honest.

29. Washington Commanders – Omarion Hampton, RB
Washington drafts Omarion Hampton to add power and balance to their offense. Hampton’s physical running style and ability to grind out tough yards complement their existing skill players.

30. Buffalo Bills – Mike Greene, DT
Buffalo selects Mike Greene to reinforce their defensive line rotation. Greene’s ability to disrupt plays in the backfield and occupy blockers will help the Bills maintain their defensive standard.

31. Kansas City Chiefs – Chris McClellan, DT
The Chiefs add Chris McClellan to provide depth and upside along the defensive front. McClellan’s quickness and versatility will be valuable as Kansas City looks to stay atop the AFC.

32. Philadelphia Eagles – Derrick Harmon, DT
Philadelphia selects Derrick Harmon to continue their tradition of investing in the trenches. Harmon’s size, strength, and motor make him a natural fit for the Eagles’ defensive line rotation, ensuring the unit remains a team strength.