The 2026 NFL Draft is just over week away and the 32 teams will be in their final preparations ahead of the biggest roster-building event of the offseason. Which positions will your favourite team be targeting in Pittsburgh?
I've come up with one key need for each team, starting in this article with the AFC. They may not address this position in round one, but these American Conference clubs have to come out of the three-day selection process with an answer at this spot.
Remember to watch the 2026 NFL Draft live on Sky Sports NFL, NFL Game Pass on DAZN and listen on talkSPORT Radio
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills – Wide Receiver
The Bills need to get better at stopping the run and injuries exposed their linebacker position last season. But even with DJ Moore coming on board via free agency, there are not nearly enough quality wide receiver options for Josh Allen. Load up!
Miami Dolphins – Wide Receiver
Having cleaned house, Miami have multiple needs and could just go best available player in round one. But with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle no longer in the building, they simply have to start re-stocking the wide receiver position.
New England Patriots – Offensive Line
The memory of Drake Maye under constant pressure in Super Bowl 60 is still fresh in the mind. Despite late-season struggles on the left side, New England could look to get younger at right tackle. Morgan Moses is 35 and on the back end of his career.
New York Jets – Cornerback
The Jets are another team with multiple needs. Top of that list is a franchise quarterback, but they likely don't find that player this year; leaving Geno Smith to handle the 2026 campaign. Finding a long-term answer at cornerback will be key.
AFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens – Interior Offensive Line
The Ravens lost center Tyler Linderbaum in free agency and finding his long-term replacement will be vital. If they don't go offensive line, could the Ravens add another pass-rusher to pair with Trey Hendrickson? They only recorded 30 sacks in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals – Defensive Tackle
Anyone with a pulse who can play defense will be welcomed in Cincinnati as the Bengals look to upgrade the league's 31st-ranked unit. The Bengals added Boye Mafe for their edge attack in free agency, but finding a middle-pressure guy would be huge.
Cleveland Browns – Offensive Tackle
The Browns drafted well last season with their 2025 class starting a combined 75 games. Cleveland still needs a franchise QB but that could be addressed in 2027. Offensive line upgrades were made in free agency but there is still a massive need at left tackle.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Guard
Don't rule out Pittsburgh taking a wide receiver early, even after they added Michael Pittman Jr. to team with DK Metcalf. But the offensive line – particularly the interior – could use youthful help at guard.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans – Guard
Adding a game-changing defensive tackle to work with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson would be tempting, but that league-leading defense is just fine. Adding bulk up front to further add to CJ Stroud's comfort levels will be more pressing.
Indianapolis Colts – Edge Rusher
General manager Chris Ballard has talked this offseason about adding more "fuel" off the edge, bolstering a defense that ranked 23rd in the NFL in 2025. Not having a first-round pick (given up for Sauce Gardner) will impact that search.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Defensive Tackle
The Jaguars have invested in their edge rushers with Travon Walker and Josh Hines-Allen, but there is little pass rush presence up the middle. That was a factor in the Jags ranking 27th in the NFL with 32 sacks in 2025. Cornerback could be another option.
Tennessee Titans – Wide Receiver
Wan'Dale Robinson was added to a wide receiver room that is young outside of Calvin Ridley. But is there a true number one difference-maker? Probably not. Finding one would accelerate the growth of second-year quarterback Cam Ward.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos – Tight End
The Broncos only have one pick before day three of the NFL Draft, preferring to trade for the likes of Miami WR Jaylen Waddle. But they could do with attacking the tight end position. The current group led by Evan Engram and Adam Trautman scored three touchdowns in 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs – Edge Rusher
Wide receiver would be tempting but there is still a chance Tyreek Hill bolsters that position later in the offseason. Finding an edge rusher to play opposite George Karlaftis will be key. Or would they go inside and groom a Chris Jones (32) replacement?
Las Vegas Raiders – Quarterback
The Kirk Cousins pick-up is a really good one, but this team is crying out for a face and long-term leader at the quarterback position. Indiana's Fernando Mendoza appears to be the guy, but the Raiders have swung and missed at QB many times before.
Los Angeles Chargers – Guard
Defensive beef is required along the line, but did you see the beating Justin Herbert took in 2025? Much of that was down to injuries at tackle, but there is also a major weakness at the heart of the Los Angeles offensive line.
