As the 2026 National Football League Draft approaches, every NFC team is facing the same question: what’s the one move that changes everything? Whether it’s filling a glaring hole, building around a franchise quarterback, or adding the final piece to a contender, this draft is about more than just talent; it’s about direction. Some teams are looking to rebuild. Others are trying to stay on top. But all 16 NFC franchises enter this draft with needs that could define their season and their future.
Here’s a breakdown of the biggest needs for every NFC team heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Cowboys are moving to a 3-4 scheme under defensive coordinator Christian Parker, which means they need linebackers. Fortunately, they have two number one picks, picks 12 and 20, so they should be able to fill their needs. Unfortunately, the top-ranked linebackers may be gone by the time they pick, forcing them to draft a defensive lineman or a defensive back.
At any rate, both picks should be on the defensive side of the ball and then focus on the offensive line, especially tackle, on day 2. They would love for LB Sonny Styles to make it to them at 12, but I don’t see that happening. Auburn edge rusher Keldric Faulk should be there at 12, and then they can get LB Jacob Rodriguez out of Texas Tech at 20.
Some pundits think the Giants’ biggest need is running back and have them drafting Jeremiyah Love. I think that would be a huge mistake because the Giants have more pressing needs on defense and on the offensive line. The Giants just traded DT Dexter Lawrence and now have picks 5 and 10, giving them flexibility. They can draft offensive and/or defensive linemen.
They also have issues with LB, safety, and corner, but I suspect they can draft a top wide receiver without missing out on a defensive player because of the trade. I think they are a shoo-in to draft Ohio St. LB Sonny Styles at 5, especially if the Titans draft RB Jeremiyah Love. Their 10th overall pick is going to be interesting. I can see them drafting another Ohio State player in S Caleb Downs, but I wouldn’t be shocked if they drafted WR Omar Cooper Jr. out of Indiana, as they are thin at WR.
There are circulating rumors that the Eagles will trade WR AJ Brown. The Eagles will have to wait until after June 1st for salary cap reasons. If these rumors are true, then I would expect the Eagles to draft a WR in this spot unless an elite edge rusher fell in their lap. WR KC Concepcion out of Texas A&M should be there.
The Commanders have a ton of holes right now. They are another team that is in the Love sweepstakes. I can see them drafting him if he falls to 7, but I think it would be a mistake to trade up to get him. It would cost them too much draft capital, and they have too many holes to fill.
Their defense can’t stop anybody, and they are thin at receiver. I think they would be best suited to take the best defensive player on the board because QB Jayden Daniels can make plays happen when healthy. I think they draft S Caleb Downs or CB Mansoor Delane out of LSU.
The Bears are in a much better position than they have been in recent drafts. They don’t have the glaring offensive holes they’ve had in the past. Sure, they could use another receiver, but they need an edge pass rusher, a steady linebacker, and defensive back help.
Remember, they were shredded by Green Bay twice late in the season, and if the Packers didn’t collapse, we would be talking about how much the Bears need to improve their defense. DT Peter Woods out of Clemson would be an upgrade, but CB Colton Hood could improve their secondary against a division that is stocked with receivers.
It’s difficult to believe the Super Bowl hopefuls finished last in the NFC North last season. They are a team that could finish last again, but could also win the division. The Lions are a bit of a mess right now as they have had many departures this offseason. They need a left tackle, plus they need as many defensive players at all levels as they can get. Defensive line, linebackers, and cornerbacks.
You name it, they need it. Many expect the Lions to draft Georgia OT Monroe Freeling to make the offensive line dominant. I think they would be better served to draft defense, and they could draft LB Jacob Rodriguez, beating the Cowboys to the punch.
The Packers are one of those teams that figure it out, but could this be the year that they take a step back? They do not have a first-round pick due to the Micah Parsons trade. I believe they need interior defensive linemen, as they will struggle against the run if they do not improve. The cornerback and offensive line rooms are thin, and I would expect them to use middle-round picks there. Picking late second round makes predicting impossible.
The Vikings finished 9-8 despite horrible QB play. In comes Kyler Murray to alleviate that problem (maybe). The Vikings’ only pressing offensive need is at center, but at 18, that would be a reach. Instead, they need players at corner and safety. If the front doesn’t get pressure, those corners struggle big time. Safety Harrison Smith could be back, but they need to find his replacement. I will go with the flow and predict they draft Oregon S Dillon Thieneman.
They have two third-round picks and are a dark horse to draft RB Emmett Johnson out of Nebraska. He is a Minnesotan who lives 15 minutes from US Bank Stadium, and he would be a good fit as he could get a season under his belt and be the starter after the Vikings cut ties with both Aaron Jones and Mason Taylor heading into 2027. They could also draft a WR or defensive linemen with those third-round picks and look for a replacement RB in 2027.
The Falcons all of a sudden need a right tackle as Kaleb McGary retired. Unfortunately, they do not have a number one pick. Besides tackle, they are extremely thin at wide receiver and need help at the interior defensive line and cornerback positions.
The Panthers can take the best player available because they don’t have glaring weaknesses, but they don’t have any glaring strengths either. I hope that TE Kenyon Sadiq makes it to them so that he can give QB Bryce Young another weapon. He makes perfect sense. If he is not available, maybe they can trade down and draft TE Eli Stowers out of Vanderbilt. Look for the Panthers to try to improve the interior defensive and offensive lines with their mid-round picks.
The Saints were a bit better than I expected, and I think it would be best if they added more weapons to their offense. They are hurting for a second wide receiver to complement Chris Olave, but if RB Jerimiyah Love falls to them, I don’t see how they can pass. RB Alvin Kamara is getting old and has clearly lost a step. Love could step right in on day one and give their offense the boost it needs. If Love is not available, I would think they would draft the best receiver, and that could be Jordyn Tyson from Arizona State.
Many have the Buccaneers taking TE Kenyon Sadiq, but I would think that would be a mistake. An offensive first-round pick would be a disappointment as their defense took a major step back, and they could use help at all levels. DT Veta Vea is getting older, and I think he has lost a step. They could also use a rangy linebacker who can play sideline to sideline. I can see them drafting LB Jacob Rodriguez or DT Peter Woods.