As we hurtle toward the 2026 NFL Draft, scouting departments are finalizing selection strategies for this fresh influx of talent. What does each team hope to accomplish over three days, seven rounds and 257 picks?
Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook spotlight one reasonable draft goal for each franchise. Check out Nick's AFC suggestions below -- and check back on Thursday for Gennaro's NFC rundown.
AFC EAST
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 7
Bills' biggest draft goal: Add primary receiver
Yes, the Bills need reinforcements to their front seven but we should not forget the receiver-focused narrative (and their prior moves of relative desperation) that followed them into the 2025 playoffs. Injuries decimated a group that already lacked a fearsome threat at the top of the depth chart, a reality that has been painfully true for the Bills since the departure of Stefon Diggs. Although they added DJ Moore via trade, the Bills shouldn't stop there. Buffalo should make this a priority.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 11
Dolphins' biggest draft goal: Acquire another franchise pillar
During the NFL Annual League Meeting, new coach Jeff Hafley identified three key players as the pillars they plan to build around in Miami: running back De'Von Achane, center Aaron Brewer and linebacker Jordyn Brooks. It's a good start but far from a finished product, leaving Hafley with another question to answer: Where does the next most valuable pillar line up? Does he focus on offensive line -- perhaps by selecting top guard Olaivavega Ioane in the first round? Or do he and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan direct their gaze toward the priciest positions -- edge, cornerback and receiver? Regardless, Miami needs to pile up talent in order to jump-start its rebuild and must nail its first-round picks (Nos. 11 and 30 overall) because this turnaround won't happen overnight.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 11
Patriots' biggest draft goal: Build the defensive front
K'Lavon Chaisson enjoyed a career year with New England and cashed in with an $8 million raise with Washington. Milton Williams proved to be a good investment in his first year with the Patriots, but they cannot stop there. Adding another edge rusher makes plenty of sense even after signing Dre'Mont Jones. Taking a look at linebacker on Day 2 would be wise, too.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 9
Jets' biggest draft goal: Give Geno Smith more weapons
New York invested heavily in its defense this offseason, adding six(!) new projected starters to a unit that needed it. Now it's time to turn the focus to the offense, a group that did retain running back Breece Hall. Garrett Wilson returns to headline a group that could use another addition, which is why the Jets should zero in on a top receiver with one of their first-round selections (Nos. 2 and 16) to give them a skilled trio of Wilson, tight end Mason Taylor and their preferred new wideout. If they're going to climb out of the cellar, they'll need firepower in the pass game.
AFC NORTH
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 11
Ravens' biggest draft goal: Bolster the trenches
As we all know, the Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency, and while they might feel good about what Corey Bullock brings to the table, they're still entering 2026 with one less reliable blocker on the roster. In a class filled with quality offensive line talent, GM Eric DeCosta should look to add another high-potential blocker before turning toward the defensive side. Baltimore would be smart to snag some security along the defensive interior, especially if Nnamdi Madubuike's neck injury keeps him from returning at full strength (or at all).
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 8
Bengals' biggest draft goal: Defense, defense, defense
Linebacker lingers as Cincinnati's greatest need, but I wouldn't be upset if the Bengals spent their first-round pick (No. 10) on any of the three levels of their defense. It's been a porous unit for years, as it hasn't been a top-10 overall group since 2013. The Bengals just lost Trey Hendrickson to the Ravens and could use another addition to a list of new arrivals that includes Boye Mafe, Jonathan Allen and Bryan Cook.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 9
Browns' biggest draft goal: Keep building the offense
Cleveland spent plenty of resources rebuilding its offensive line in March, adding three new projected starters up front in Tytus Howard, Zion Johnson and Elgton Jenkins. With two first-round picks in their pockets, the Browns should spend one on another blocker -- preferably, a tackle. Most importantly, however, they need to add a receiver with the ability to make contested catches (Ohio State's Carnell Tate, anyone?), because this quarterback room isn't exactly going to throw guys open.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 12
Steelers' biggest draft goal: Explore another LT option
General manager Omar Khan has done a commendable job of rebuilding Pittsburgh's offensive line over the last few years, and depending on who you ask, the Steelers might be just fine up front. With a starting defense that is largely settled (and surprisingly deep at the second and third levels), Khan should direct his attention toward the blocking unit, especially if he'd like to maximize a backfield that includes Jaylen Waddle, Rico Dowdle and Kaleb Johnson. The position I'm targeting: offensive tackle, where Broderick Jones isn't cemented into his starting job on the left side. Bring in some competition and further raise the standard up front. It might be especially necessary once the Steelers are forced to turn toward a younger quarterback after 2026.
AFC SOUTH
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 8
Texans' biggest draft goal: Wide receiver
Houston can go in a number of directions with its top picks and it wouldn't hurt to continue to bolster the offensive line, but when I look at the Texans' depth chart, the most uncertainty lies in their receiving corps. Is Tank Dell going to be able to return to form after missing all of 2025? Can Houston count on Jayden Higgins as a WR2 in this offense? It feels like C.J. Stroud could use another pass catcher, especially with tight end Dalton Schultz also returning from injury. Go pick one up, Nick Caserio.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 7
Colts' biggest draft goal: Linebacker
The Colts don't have a first-round pick thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade, but they do have a need at the second level of their defense. Akeem Davis-Gaither arrives via free agency and is projected to line up alongside Austin Ajiake, a former undrafted free agent who played just 14 percent of their defensive snaps last season. The second round is a perfect place to find some linebacking talent (Jacob Rodriguez, Jake Golday) and it's is where GM Chris Ballard should zero in.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 11
Jaguars' biggest draft goal: Running back
Travis Etienne left for New Orleans in the offseason, and the Jaguars filled the depth chart void with Chris Rodriguez Jr., leaving Bhayshul Tuten as a player who is suddenly important at work in 2026. Hopefully, Tuten capitalizes on the opportunity, but the Jaguars can't afford to lean on him that heavily in a season with great expectations. They should target another back on Day 2.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 9
Titans' biggest draft goal: Edge
I see a lot of mock drafts pairing running back Jeremiyah Love with the Titans, but they need another edge rusher to pair with Jeffery Simmons more than they need a ball-carrier. Luckily, this draft is loaded at that position, and the Titans are near the top of the board with their first pick (No. 3 overall). Make the wise choice instead of the sexy one, GM Mike Borgonzi.
AFC WEST
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 7
Broncos' biggest draft goal: Running back
I love the Broncos' roster, which doesn't include many visible holes, yet I'm a bit concerned with their running back situation. J.K. Dobbins provided a boost but suffered yet another season-ending injury in 2025, and it felt as if they were woefully thin at the position for the rest of the season. Part of that is due to Sean Payton's apparent unwillingness to use Jaleel McLaughlin, but the position remains their biggest need in my opinion. I'd love it if they snagged a player like Jadarian Price in the second round.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 9
Chiefs' biggest draft goal: Cornerback
Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson left for Los Angeles in March, leaving a void the Chiefs attempted to address by adding slot corner Kader Kohou. They shouldn't stop there. No offense to Nohl Williams, but if the Chiefs are going to return to prominence in 2026, they're going to need more playmakers at the position. This should be their top priority (and after that, offensive line) in the draft.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 10
Raiders' biggest draft goal: More offensive weapons
Las Vegas made a good first effort by adding Jalen Nailor to one of the weakest receiving corps in the NFL but could use another more firepower. I'm also concerned about the Raiders' running back depth behind Ashton Jeanty. He was subjected to plenty of contact (often behind the line of scrimmage) as a rookie and will need a quality understudy to handle some of the reps.
- Notable additions
- Notable departures
- 2026 draft picks: 5
Chargers' biggest draft goal: Receiver
The Chargers have a solid starting trio of Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Tre Harris, but I think there's room for another playmaker in this group. If the offensive line can hold up (unlike last year), Justin Herbert could maximize a new addition in the receiving corps. Plus, another playmaker will allow new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel to ramp up the pre-snap window dressing and create advantages as he has been known to do.
