2026 49ers NFL

NFL 2026 Major Draft Need and Post-Free Agency Super Bowl 61 Odds

Scott Kacsmar17/03/2026 - 10:38 am

In the NFL these days, the free agent market really dries up after a week. We gave out our awards for the best and worst moves last week, and now we’re turning our attention towards the major team needs for the 2026 NFL Draft, and an updated look at the Super Bowl 61 odds after an eventful start to the offseason.

NFL 2026 Team Needs for the Draft

When it comes to the team draft needs, we’re largely looking at the position these teams should consider targeting with their highest pick in the first and/or second rounds of the draft depending on where they are picking from.

Arizona Cardinals (QB)

In a normal NFL draft, the Arizona Cardinals would have a quarterback to choose with the No. 3 pick to move on from Kyler Murray, who they released after seven seasons. But in the 2026 draft, it looks like Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is the only viable top 10 pick at quarterback, and he’s unlikely to be there for the Cardinals.

They’ve also invested recent first-round picks in defensive linemen Walter Nolen and Darius Robinson, but don’t be surprised if they go best player available and take someone like Ohio State edge Arvell Reese.

With Jacoby Brissett vs. Gardner Minshew as the current quarterback battle, maybe the Cardinals will have better luck in the 2027 draft that promises to be deeper at quarterback.

Atlanta Falcons (DE or CB)

The Rams own Atlanta’s No. 13 pick in the first round due to the James Pearce Jr. trade that was supposed to fix the pass rush for the Falcons. Things were moving in the right direction on the field, but after an alleged violent incident off the field recently, Pearce’s NFL future is in serious doubt after being charged with three felonies, so the Falcons could be right back to the drawing board.

They hold the No. 48 pick in the second round and should consider using it on the best defender they can find whether it’s another pass rusher or the best available corner as they aren’t strong there either.

Baltimore Ravens (IOL)

Even after losing some notable players this offseason, the Ravens have an answer for most positions, including defensive end after signing Trey Hendrickson following the botched trade attempt for Maxx Crosby from the Raiders.

The saving grace is the Ravens got to keep two first-round picks by not making the trade, so that No. 14 pick could be used on a top interior lineman after the Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders and are also a little weaker at guard.

Buffalo Bills (WR)

Moving on without coach Sean McDermott, the Bills are mostly set on defense, adding three potential new starters in Bradley Chubb, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and nickel corner Dee Alford.

With the No. 26 pick in the first round, that could be a great spot to throw another dart at wide receiver. They traded for a veteran in D.J. Moore and still have Khalil Shakir in the slot, but this is a position the Bills could always stand to improve with a cheaper first-round rookie instead of overpaying in free agency for someone who may not work out again.

Carolina Panthers (TE)

The Panthers finally made the playoffs in 2025, albeit with an 8-9 record. They whipped out their checkbook to land Jaelan Phillps and Devin Lloyd for the defense in free agency, but the fact is the jury is still out on whether quarterback Bryce Young is the long-term solution at the most important position.

A position the Panthers haven’t really got anything from since the days of Greg Olsen is tight end. With the No. 19 pick in the draft, there could be an option there with Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq, another athletic option to go along with reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Tetairoa McMillan at wide receiver.

If Young can’t get it done with them, then that’s stocking the cupboard for the next quarterback in Carolina.

Chicago Bears (DB)

The Bears made it to overtime of the NFC divisional round in the first year for coach Ben Johnson, who seems to have a pretty good offensive core in place even after trading D.J. Moore to Buffalo.

I’d focus on the defense with that No. 25 pick and take the best corner or safety available in a good spot for them in the draft. The Bears did sign safety Coby Bryant from the Seahawks, but you can never have enough good corners.

Cincinnati Bengals (Defense)

The Bengals hold the No. 10 pick in the draft after missing the playoffs for the third year in a row. You’re hoping that’s the highest pick they’ll have for awhile, and they’ve already used free agency to try to fill the Trey Hendrickson void by signing Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe.

I think you still have to be looking to build up the defense here whether it’s a linebacker like Sonny Styles (Ohio State) or a corner like Mansoor Delane (LSU). The bleeding has to stop eventually on the defensive side of the ball for the Bengals.

If they draft another wide receiver (Ohio State’s Carnell Tate), they deserve to keep missing the playoffs.

Cleveland Browns (WR and OL)

The Browns have the No. 6 and No. 24 picks in the first round; the latter thanks to the trade with Jacksonville for the right to draft Travis Hunter in 2025. They are a team of many holes that’s moving forward with a new offensive-minded coach in Todd Monken.

The defense should still be fine with Myles Garrett there, so offense is the way to go. You can certainly do better at wide receiver when you just have Jerry Jeudy and random guys. The Browns also had their entire offensive line hitting free agency, and while they added some pickups like guard Zion Johnson and center Elgton Jenkins, a new tackle or even guard wouldn’t be such a bad idea, especially at that No. 24 pick.

Dallas Cowboys (Defense)

The Cowboys are like the NFC version of the Bengals right now except with an owner who is actually hellbent on winning and would spend as much as he could if there wasn’t a salary cap in place.

But with the team likely keeping George Pickens at wideout after slapping the franchise tag on him, the offensive answers are there for Dallas. It’s on defense where they have to scramble to find blue-chip talents after Trevon Diggs fell off and they traded Micah Parsons to the Packers.

With picks No. 12 and No. 20, the Cowboys could stand to gain a couple of new defensive starters in this draft. I’d look for the best lineman and corner available with those top 20 picks.

Denver Broncos (WR)

The Broncos have gone a bit mad by practically returning the whole 53-man roster for the 2026 season. Guess they truly believe they were a healthy Bo Nix away from winning the Super Bowl, but it will be hard to repeat their path that included so many game-winning drives, comeback wins, and beating several backup quarterbacks.

But if you take last year’s roster and ask where the holes are, I still think they can stand to get better at wide receiver. Maybe the No. 30 pick can’t help a ton with that, but there could be an option available to add a skill player to help Nix.

Detroit Lions (OL)

After missing the playoffs, the Lions hold the No. 17 pick. They are an offensive-driven team, and their lack of dominant play in the trenches in 2025 was part of the reason they declined beyond just losing coordinator Ben Johnson to the Bears.

That’s why the No. 17 pick could be a great spot to reload and find a guard or tackle. They should be fine at center after signing Carolina’s Cade Mays. But after losing their physical runner David Montgomery in the backfield, they are going to need more talent up front to maintain their high level of offensive production and to protect Jared Goff.

Green Bay Packers (CB or OL)

The Packers aren’t picking until No. 52 after the trade for Micah Parsons sent their first-round pick to Dallas this year. But for a roster that largely has solutions everywhere, the Packers could stand to get better in the trenches after losing some players there in free agency, and they could always go for a corner in a tough division of receivers to deal with. Someone to learn to replace the presence of Jaire Alexander at corner.

Houston Texans (WR or DL)

The Texans hold the No. 28 and No. 38 picks, so that’s two top 40 picks for a team that’s close to breaking through but still hasn’t been to an AFC Championship Game.

We know the defense carried the team last year, but you could always throw another dart at wide receiver with these picks if you think Tank Dell will never be 100% again after some gruesome injuries his first two years. Adding depth to the defensive line where Sheldon Rankins is getting long in the tooth can’t hurt either to find someone to line up near Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.

Indianapolis Colts (WR or OL)

The Colts don’t have a first-round pick in 2026 or 2027 because of the Sauce Gardner trade. They won’t pick until No. 47 here, though that should leave them with many options.

They could get another wide receiver after trading Michael Pittman Jr. to the Steelers so they could pay Alec Pierce a boatload of money after a career year. They lost right tackle Braden Smith and could reload on the offensive line.

Jacksonville Jaguars (TE or LB)

Trading up with Cleveland to draft Travis Hunter means the Jaguars won’t pick until No. 56 in 2026. That’s a good spot to possibly land a tight end where they could use an upgrade over Brenton Strange when you consider the success Trevor Lawrence used to have throwing to Evan Engram as his security blanket.

The team could also go for a linebacker after losing Devin Lloyd to the Panthers in free agency.

Kansas City Chiefs (CB or WR)

The Chiefs are hoping this is the last time they’ll have a pick as high as No. 9 in the Patrick Mahomes era. They could go a variety of ways here, but taking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love should be off the table after the Chiefs spent good money for Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker from Seattle.

Corner should be the top priority after losing corners Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson to the Rams, but if the one they like isn’t available, then don’t rule out taking a wide receiver like Carnell Tate (Ohio State) after the off-field issues for Rashee Rice and the disappointment of Xavier Worthy. The Chiefs need a mature route runner in that room.

The Chiefs also hold the Rams’ No. 29 pick after the McDuffie trade, so they could always come back later and hit on one of those positions later if not at No. 9.

Las Vegas Raiders (QB)

When your quarterback is Aidan O’Connell after you traded Geno Smith back to the Jets, it’s pretty clear what the Raiders are going to do in the 2026 draft. You use the No. 1 pick on Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza and make Klint Kubiak prove he was the right hire at coach to make it work.

Easiest call of the draft, and I guess we’ll see if anyone steps up with a trade package for Maxx Crosby before Mendoza’s name is called after an almost-trade with Baltimore. But with that No. 36 pick in the second round, the Raiders could look to add help at just about any position for Mendoza except for tight end (Brock Bowers) and running back (Ashton Jeanty).

Los Angeles Chargers (Edge)

The Chargers seem to have their offensive plan ready for new coordinator Mike McDaniel, who should fit well with Justin Herbert. The wide receivers stepped up last year but the offensive tackles were both injured, which should fix itself this year.

With an aging Khalil Mack coming back, I think you have to look at finding his replacement here as the Chargers have the No. 22 pick in the draft.

Los Angeles Rams (Edge or WR)

The Rams obviously love to trade for veterans, which is why Kansas City holds their No. 29 pick after the Trent McDuffie trade. But that should settle the corner demand for the Rams, who also signed Jaylen Watson from the Chiefs.

That’s why I think a team in such a win-now mode uses the No. 13 pick on an impact talent at a position where you need depth like edge rusher or wide receiver. They have allegedly explored trading for wideout A.J. Brown, so they may not love their depth after Puka Nacua and Davante Adams. That’s why a pick like USC’s Makai Lemon could make sense here.

Miami Dolphins (OL or Edge)

No more Tua Tagovailoa in Miami to talk about after the team cut him and signed Malik Willis in free agency. That takes Miami out of the first-round quarterback discussion where they likely never were anyway at No. 11. But they should go for the trenches to either give Willis a better tackle or find a pass rusher to replace Jaelan Phillips, who went to Carolina.

The Dolphins also hold the No. 43 pick in the second round, so if a quarterback like Ty Simpson (Alabama) was still there, they could always take him as some insurance for Willis not working out.

Minnesota Vikings (DB or DL)

They don’t have to worry about quarterback with their impending Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy battle. With the No. 18 pick, defense should probably be the call this year to give coordinator Brian Flores another talent.

They could take a top safety prospect with Harrison Smith aging out of the lineup. It also never hurts to get another defensive lineman to put pressure on Jared Goff, Caleb Williams, and Jordan Love.

New England Patriots (WR or OT)

Where do the Patriots go at No. 31 following their Super Bowl loss? The defense was good enough to win that Super Bowl, and they’ve already added Dre’Mont Jones and safety Kevin Byard on that side of the ball.

I don’t mind throwing another dart at wide receiver unless you really are content with Romeo Doubs, Kayson Boutte, and Mack Hollins as your top trio. It also couldn’t hurt to take the best offensive tackle available with Morgan Moses getting older and Will Campbell needing some competition after a viral rookie year.

New Orleans Saints (WR or DB)

The Saints could use a big draft to close the gap in the NFC South in the second season for quarterback Tyler Shough. They could get him another big weapon like Carnell Tate to go with Chris Olave, another Ohio State great.

But with that No. 8 pick, they also could target one of the top defensive backs whether it’s safety Caleb Downs or LSU corner Mansoor Delane.

New York Giants (SAF)

With the Giants holding the No. 5 pick, they could go a variety of ways to build around second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart. But knowing the identity new coach John Harbaugh will want to build, he has to be salivating at the thought of landing Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. He wants his Kyle Hamilton in the secondary.

Some also think this could be a spot for Jeremiyah Love at running back, though the Giants have talent at the position already.

New York Jets (Edge and QB)

The Jets figure to be one of the main teams in the 2026 draft since they hold picks No. 2, No. 16, No. 33, and No. 44. With that much draft capital, they can land a top pass rusher like David Bailey (Texas Tech) with the highest pick.

They can work on their wide receiver depth behind Garrett Wilson. They could potentially draft the QB2 in this draft as someone like Alabama’s Ty Simpson falls to them in the second round.

It’s a roster with a lot of holes even after trading for Geno Smith and keeping running back Breece Hall in town. The Jets had no interceptions on defense last year, so they need pressure and coverage to say nothing of the struggles on offense. But they have the picks to improve in a hurry.

Philadelphia Eagles (WR or OT)

The Eagles still have a fairly complete roster, and they are loaded at corner after signing Riq Woolen (Seahawks) in free agency. They also worked things out with tight end Dallas Goedert, though if they end up still trading wide receiver A.J. Brown (Disgruntled), then that could be the pick for No. 23 in the first round.

They also might want to invest in an offensive tackle for the future with Lane Johnson getting up there in years, and Jordan Mailata is no spring chicken either.

Pittsburgh Steelers (G)

The Steelers hold the No. 21 pick, which likely takes them out of the good quarterback market in this draft where we’re not sure there’s more than one good quarterback. But assuming Aaron Rodgers returns, he’ll have two strong wideouts to throw to in D.K. Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. after the Steelers made a trade for a wideout for the second-straight offseason.

There’s also a lot of investments on the defensive side of the ball, including expensive deals for T.J. Watt and Cam Heyward, they’ve kept Jalen Ramsey, and they added corner Jamel Dean from the Bucs. So, don’t be shocked if it’s a “boring” pick at No. 21 like the best guard on the board.

San Francisco 49ers (OT or CB)

The 49ers have been signing veteran wideouts like Mike Evans and Christian Kirk this month. They also brought back linebacker Dre Greenlaw. But if you’re looking at positions where they may not be up to snuff, offensive tackle is a concern with Trent Williams’ age, so snagging anyone that falls to them at No. 27 could be ideal.

Otherwise, you need corners to deal with Puka Nacua and Jaxon-Smith Njigba in that NFC West. The 49ers should look to add to their depth there.

Seattle Seahawks (DB)

Even after losing some players like Kenneth Walker (Chiefs), Coby Bryant (Bears), Riq Woolen (Eagles), and Boye Mafe (Bengals), the Seahawks are still in pretty good shape on both sides of the ball.

With the No. 32 pick, I’m letting Mike Macdonald get his hands on the best defensive back on the board and hoping to turn him into a quality player as quickly as possible.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Edge)

The Buccaneers still have a quality wide receiver room after losing Mike Evans to the 49ers. The offense in general should be fine if the players stay healthy this year, and they re-signed Cade Otton at tight end.

Think you have to look at edge and getting younger in the front seven after they signed some veterans in free agency like A’Shawn Robinson and Al-Quadin Muhammad. They can get better up front.

Tennessee Titans (WR or DE)

Few teams spent as much money in free agency like the Titans did this year, though you can question their haul and how much it will really help second-year quarterback Cam Ward.

Many mock drafts are choosing the Titans at No. 4 as the landing spot for Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love, who is considered by far the best runner in this draft class. It’d be the highest pick on a running back since the Giants took Saquon Barkley No. 2 in 2018.

I get the idea behind it, but personally it just doesn’t feel like great value as the Titans could get more out of Tony Pollard before going all in on Love here. But that’s a possibility. If pass rushers like David Bailey (Texas Tech) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State) are off the board already, then I’d consider reaching for Rueben Bain (Miami) too.

But the Titans could also take the top wide receiver prospect in Carnell Tate to give Ward another weapon. Alas, with the running back history of the Oilers/Titans (Earl Campbell, Eddie George, Chris Johnson, Derrick Henry), it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them go with Love.

Washington Commanders (WR or DB)

The Commanders have done a good job of throwing multiple darts at pass rusher in free agency after signing Odafe Oweh, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Omenihu. They’ve also added depth to the running backs, tight end, and defensive backs.

With the No. 7 pick, I’d love to see them just go for it and take Carnell Tate to give Jayden Daniels another top wideout to pair with Terry McLaurin. They could also potentially land a safety like Caleb Downs if he slides to No. 7 as the secondary lacks a true blue-chip leader for Dan Quinn’s unit.

The Latest Super Bowl 61 Odds After Free Agency

We last looked at the Super Bowl 61 odds right after the last Super Bowl ended. Did free agency have any impact? Here’s the latest odds to win it all from FanDuel followed by the February odds in parenthesis (bold is improved, italics is decreased).

Los Angeles Rams (+700; +800)
Seattle Seahawks (+950; +750)
Buffalo Bills (+1000; +1200)
Baltimore Ravens (+1100; +1200)
Los Angeles Chargers (+1500; no change)
Kansas City Chiefs (+1600; no change)
San Francisco 49ers (+1600; +1800)
Detroit Lions (+1700; +1600)
Green Bay Packers (+1700; +1300)
Philadelphia Eagles (+1700; +1500)
New England Patriots (+1900; +1700)
Houston Texans (+2000; no change)
Denver Broncos (+2200; +2000)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+2200; +2000)
Chicago Bears (+2500; +2700)
Dallas Cowboys (+2500; +3000)
Cincinnati Bengals (+3000; no change)
Indianapolis Colts (+3300; +4000)
Washington Commanders (+4500; no change)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+4500; +5000)
Minnesota Vikings (+5000; +5500)
Atlanta Falcons (+7500; +5000)
Pittsburgh Steelers (+8000; +10000)
New York Giants (+8000; +7500)
Carolina Panthers (+10000; +15000)
New Orleans Saints (+10000; +17500)
Las Vegas Raiders (+12500; no change)
Tennessee Titans (+15000; no change)
Cleveland Browns (+25000; +12500)
Arizona Cardinals (+25000; +22500)
Miami Dolphins (+25000; +22500)
New York Jets (+25000; no change)

Some takeaways to gather from these latest odds:

The Rams leapfrog the Seahawks as Super Bowl favorites after the big Trent McDuffie trade and the Seahawks losing a few starters in free agency.
Slight bumps for the Bills and Ravens in the AFC with slight declines (-200) for the Patriots, Broncos, and Jaguas.
The Chargers (+1500) remain the AFC West team with the highest Super Bowl odds.
The 49ers just move ahead of the Lions, Packers, and Eagles in the NFC with no one dropping more than Green Bay (-400) after losing some linemen and Romeo Doubs in free agency.
The Cowboys had the largest odds increase (+500) of any team that was at +3000 or better.
The Colts are also on the rise (+700) after re-signing Daniel Jones and Alec Pierce.
Among the longshots, few have fallen as hard as the Falcons (-2500) after the James Pearce Jr. incident and signing of Tua Tagovailoa.
The Steelers have climbed +2000 in odds despite no official word yet on Aaron Rodgers’ plans for 2026.
The fall of the Falcons is met with considerable increases for the Bucs (+500), Panthers (+5000), and Saints (+7500) in that tepid NFC South.
Cleveland’s odds have tanked the most from +12500 to +25000, tied with the Cardinals, Jets, and Dolphins as the biggest longshots of 2026.
No change for the Titans despite all those new players signed in free agency.

We’ll preview the 2026 NFL Draft prospects by position groups in the coming weeks.

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