Which Team Has the Least Athletic 2026 NFL Draft Class? Rams, Chiefs Rank Last in RAS Rankings
Following the end of the 2026 NFL Draft, here's a look at the teams in the league which selected the least athletic players this year.

Following the end of the 2026 NFL Draft, here's a look at the teams in the league which selected the least athletic players this year.

The Jacksonville Jaguars made some controversial decision in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jacksonville had arguably the worst draft haul after making some truly surprising selections. It appears that they came close to making another big move. ESPN’s Adam Schefter revealed that Jacksonville considered making a surprising trade during the draft. “The Jacksonville Jaguars actually considered […] The post Jaguars rumors: Adam Schefter reveals Jaguars considered head-scratching trade appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Top UDFAs from the 2026 NFL Draft are finding ideal team fits, setting up surprise roster pushes this summer.

With the 2026 NFL Draft now in the books, it’s a good time to peer into the crystal ball and look at which draft selections will go down as disappointments. Whether it’s because of their limited skill set or the team they landed with, a handful of highly-touted 2026 rookies aren’t in a position to reach their potential whatsoever. With that, let’s dive into the ten 2026 NFL Draft picks who are sure to go down as big-time busts. Which players selected in the 2026 NFL Draft end up as a bust? Rueben Bain Jr.Dec 28, 2024; Orlando, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Rueben Bain Jr. (4) warms up prior to the game against the Iowa State Cyclones at Camping World Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images For a while, the Miami Hurricanes edge rusher was expected to be a top-five pick. But NFL teams got scared when his arm length was measured at just 30 ⅞ inches. According to ESPN, Bain’s arm length is the shortest for an edge rusher drafted in the first round since 2003. So you already had the concerns about his physicality and build. That was only the start of it. Shortly before the draft began, news emerged that Bain had been involved in a serious car accident in 2024 that killed one of the passengers in his car after he rear-ended another vehicle. His friend, 22-year-old Destiny Betts, spent three months in a coma before tragically dying. Nonetheless, these concerns didn’t stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from using the No. 15 pick on Bain. After the selection, Bucs GM Jason Licht emphasized that the Bucs had been aware of the fatal car accident involving Bain for a while. Still, it’s not too early to already think the Bucs will regret this pick. These guys just LOVE using early picks on pass rushers. Can someone tell us how Logan Hall, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and Calijah Kancey panned out again? Fair or not, teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and New England Patriots have found success in taking chances on players with off-the-field legal issues or character concerns and turning them into stars. The Buccaneers? Not so much. Bain’s short arm length will be a serious problem for him to work around in the NFL. And given that Tampa already had enough pass-rushers before the draft, this pick is a red flag in every aspect. Good luck with it, Tampa. You’re gonna need it. Kenyon SadiqKenyon Sadiq (Image Credits: Imagn) The Oregon product was the consensus top tight end coming into this year’s draft. But there are only so many great tight ends in the NFL these days, so that’s not really saying much. There were several obvious knocks against Sadiq entering the NFL draft. Among them, he’s considered relatively small for a tight end at 6-foot-3 and 240 pounds. His production at Oregon wasn’t off-the-charts, either. Sadiq had his most productive year in 2025, catching 51 passes for 560 yards and eight touchdowns. Ho hum. Drops were especially alarming for Sadiq at Oregon. So, when the New York Jets drafted him 16th overall? Yeah, the joke just wrote itself. The Jets can’t find a quarterback to save their lives. Now we’re supposed to think that they’ll magically unlock the potential of Sadiq? Good luck with that. Geno Smith isn’t saving this franchise. Also, how many targets can Sadiq expect in an offense featuring Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and Omar Cooper Jr.? We were excited about Sadiq’s potential, but quite frankly, the Jets are the worst landing spot for him. Go ahead and chalk him up as one of the latest Jets draft busts. Caleb BanksFeb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida defensive lineman Caleb Banks (DL02) speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Minnesota Vikings raised some eyebrows here by using the No. 18 pick on Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks. It felt like a reach given how much his stock had fallen in the weeks leading up to the draft, due to a serious foot injury that required surgery. One of our other issues here is that Banks is going to a Minnesota Vikings team that’s not exactly renowned for getting the most out of interior defensive linemen. Last year, they signed veteran defensive tackles Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen to big-money deals. Both were released at the start of the offseason. So now you’re talking about a player who had up-and-down production in college, who had a serious foot injury, going to a team that hardly gets the most out of its interior defensive linemen. Plus, yanno, recent Minnesota first-round picks like JJ McCarthy, Dallas Turner, and Jordan Addison haven’t exactly lit it up yet. Banks would have been a better fit on a team with stronger roster development, like the Kansas City Chiefs, Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, or Green Bay Packers. The Vikings are sure to thrust him into a starting role come Week 1, something Banks certainly isn’t ready for. Malachi LawrenceFeb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCF defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence (DL48) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images The Dallas Cowboys struck gold when they moved up one spot to select Ohio State safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. But their second first-round pick, Malachi Lawrence, certainly leaves a lot to be desired. Dallas’ makeover on defense since the Micah Parsons trade certainly looks a lot better on paper. Quinnen Williams, Rashan Gary, and now Caleb Downs. But Malachi Lawrence? Yeah, about that…. Dallas could have easily traded down and nabbed Lawrence in round two. Instead, they reached from a completely unpolished prospect with limited physical abilities and “meh” production over his tenure at UCF. Remember what happened last time Dallas reached in round one for a defensive lineman? Yeah, Mazi Smith didn’t pan out. So don’t hate on us for already questioning this pick and projecting a disappointing tenure in Dallas. De'Zhaun StriblingJan 8, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Mississippi Rebels wide receiver De’Zhaun Stribling (1) against the Miami Hurricanes during the 2026 Fiesta Bowl and semifinal game of the College Football Playoff at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The San Francisco 49ers traded down from the No. 27 spot with the Miami Dolphins. The ‘Phins took San Diego State cornerback Chris Johnson. The 49ers obtained the No. 30 pick and then traded it to the New York Jets, who selected Indiana wideout Omar Cooper Jr. Finally, the 49ers opened up round two by selecting De’Zhaun Stribling, the big-bodied wide receiver out of Ole Miss. We’re sure optimistic San Francisco fans love this pick, but it’s truly a head-scratcher for us. Stribling has talent, yes. But what exactly is he going to do on a star-studded 49ers offense headlined by Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, newcomer Mike Evans, and 2024 first-round pick Ricky Pearsall? This isn’t so much a question about Stribling’s skill set as it is about his fit in the 49ers offense. Kyle Shanahan’s system leans heavily on the ground game and screen passes. Stribling is a serious threat and contested catch specialist who “checks notes” reminds us entirely of Mike Evans. Stribling has the tools to be a star in this league, but the 49ers aren’t the team for him to maximize his ceiling. Just imagine if he landed on another contender with less offensive weaponry, like the Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, or Seattle Seahawks. Max IheanachorMax Iheanachor (Image Credits: Imagn) Just when the Pittsburgh Steelers were planning to take USC wide receiver Makai Lemon at No. 21 overall? Their Pennsylvania state rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, jumped up one spot via trade to take Lemon at No. 20 in the NFL Draft. The Steelers, clearly rattled and panicky, reached for Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor and took him with the No. 21 pick. Taking a lineman was the first shocker here. The second aspect of this shocker? It was such a giant reach, with more polished linemen on the board. The Steelers used 2023 and 2024 first-round picks on offensive linemen Broderick Jones and Troy Fautanu, respectively. O-line was far from a pressing need, and yet they reached for Iheanachor anyway. Make it make sense! Jones hasn’t come as advertised, and the jury’s still out on Fautanu. Pittsburgh’s inability to draft and develop first-round picks in recent years has been well-documented, so don’t blame us for feeling like Iheanachor is a disaster pick waiting to happen. And for all the love he gets as a steady pass-blocker? His run-blocking was lackluster at best, and he committed eight penalties in his final season of college ball, per Pro Football Focus. Chris JohnsonChris Johnson (Image Credits: Imagn) More highly-regarded cornerbacks like Colton Hood and Avieon Terrell were on the board when the Miami Dolphins took Chris Johnson with the No. 27 pick. Not only did we dislike this pick in terms of value, but the fit itself couldn’t be much worse for Johnson. If you go back to 2020 — ahem, Tua Tagovailoa over Justin Herbert — the Dolphins have been horrific when it comes to day-one picks. So pardon us for already thinking Johnson is going to be a bust simply because he’s stuck on a team that clearly doesn’t know how to develop talent. But it was also a big-time reach for the Dolphins. Again, how do you leave Hood and Terrell on the board? Johnson’s knocks included his lack of speed and the fact that he’s undersized at 6-feet-tall and 193 pounds. And since the Dolphins have one of the worst defensive units in the league, we’re skeptical this is the place for him to maximize his potential. Keylan RutledgeJan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National offensive lineman Keylan Rutledge (77) of Georgia Tech takes a breather during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Nobody was surprised when the Houston Texans addressed the offensive line in round one. But trading up via the Buffalo Bills to reach for Georgia Tech guard Keylan Rutledge? Yep, that one leaves a lot of raised eyebrows. The Texans had plenty of more polished offensive linemen to choose from. And respectfully, this organization has been abhorrent when it comes to developing offensive linemen. Rutledge struggled with penalty issues in his final season at Georgia Tech. His over-aggression was one of Rutledge’s main issues in college, and he won’t have much support on a lousy Texans squad. Ty SimpsonTy Simpson (Image Credits: Imagn) Simpson entered the 2026 NFL Draft as the consensus No. 2 quarterback in this year’s class…behind only Fernando Mendoza, who went first-overall to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Los Angeles Rams landed the No. 13 pick from the Atlanta Falcons, who had given up their 2026 first-rounder a year earlier to snag James Pearce Jr. With their 2026 first-rounder, the Rams snagged the Alabama quarterback. Rams head coach Sean McVay didn’t seem all too thrilled with the pick from GM Les Snead. And that was telling, because McVay and Snead usually see eye-to-eye and have a tremendously successful coach-GM relationship. As Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Jordan Love would happily tell you, it’s not the worst idea to find a succession plan in the first round if your starting QB is on borrowed time. But there’s just a lot about this Simpson pick that doesn’t make sense. Yes, Matthew Stafford is about to enter his age-38 season. He also hasn’t displayed any signs of slowing down, as evidenced by his MVP Award-winning 2025 campaign. With the way Stafford is playing, shouldn’t the Rams have prioritized drafting a player who could help them win now? It’s not like Simpson is a sure thing to succeed. He comes from the Alabama QB factory. Weren’t Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones supposed to be the real deal? Bryce Young doesn’t look like a superstar now, does he? In his final college season, Simpson threw for 3,567 yards, 28 touchdowns, and five interceptions. Good? Yes. But also, any Alabama starting quarterback should be putting up such numbers. Simpson could be waiting two to three years to succeed Stafford in LA. And with his limited skill set and ceiling? Being a top-15 pick just seems like poor value on the Rams’ end. Add it all up, and it just already feels like he could go down as a mega bust in La La Land. Remember, Stetson Bennett was once viewed as Stafford’s successor in LA. And, well, we know where that went. K.C. ConcepcionKC Concepcion (Image Credits: Imagn) The Texas A&M product was widely projected to be a mid-to-late first-round pick. Sure enough, the Cleveland Browns drafted him at No. 24 overall. For us, this isn’t so much a Concepcion issue as a Cleveland issue. His talent and skill set are undeniable. Unfortunately for Concepcion, he landed on one of the few teams that has no idea how to draft and develop skill position guys. We kept drawing up scenarios of Concepcion landing on an established contender like the Philadelphia Eagles or Buffalo Bills. Instead, Concepcion is stuck on a team that, ahem, has Shedeur Sanders and Dillon ‘freaking’ Gabriel as its quarterbacks. Yay. This guy had to go to an actual contender to maximize his potential, not a consistent bottom-feeder like the Browns. Also, Concepcion will be competing with Jerry Jeudy, Quinshon Judkins, Harold Fannin Jr. and fellow rookie wideout Denzel Boston for targets. Now, try telling us why the Browns are a good fit for him?

NEW YORK GIANTS have signed undrafted free agent Thaddeus Dixon after leaving UNC. Cornerback Dixon, 24, was recruited by North Carolina‘s legendary coach Bill Belichick at the start of 2025….

The Patriots rookie from the 2026 NFL Draft class who will make the biggest impact in Year 1 isn’t a flashy playmaker or a highlight machine. It will be a blindside protector tasked with safeguarding the future of this franchise. In a roster built to contend now, New England didn’t draft for headlines. They drafted […] The post Patriots rookie from 2026 NFL Draft class who will make biggest impact in Year 1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 2026 NFL Draft has concluded, and we now have a sense of the future for these Minnesota Vikings.This year, they didn’t have a technical full-time general manager at the helm for the event. These duties were given to Rob Brzezinski, who has been with the team since 1999 in behind-the-scenes roles.Have a look at their official 2026 […] The post Vikings Reveal Clear Vision for Future With 2026 Draft Class appeared first on HEAVY.

The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the 2026 NFL Draft with the first overall selection, and they ended it as one of the biggest winners of the draft weekend. They walked away from the draft with potential star talent, tons of depth, players who fill needs, and some high-ceiling flyers. For example, Fernando Mendoza was […] The post Raiders rookie from 2026 NFL Draft class who will make biggest impact in Year 1 appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The New York Jets were never known as a premier destination, given their overall lack of success and dysfunction that often makes them the butt of jokes around the NFL. However, the rebuild might finally be gaining some traction, as a successful 2026 NFL Draft Class and some wide-open cap space in 2026 might be […] The post Are Jets a quarterback destination? Dan Orlovsky makes the case appeared first on ClutchPoints.

An unpredictable first round helped the 2026 NFL Draft draw strong viewership, even as the numbers dipped slightly from last year.

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone. More than 250 players heard their names called. The SEC led the way with 87 selections. That mark set a new record for most players taken in one conference, besting the league’s previous total of 79. The Big Ten followed with 68 picks, including an event-best 10 […] The post These 10 Teams Did Not Have A Player Selected In The 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on BroBible.

The dust has settled on the 2026 NFL draft. Here's a look at the biggest winners from the event, including multiple teams from the AFC West.

The Miami Dolphins put their money where their mouth is to close one 2026 NFL Draft prospect the rest of the league forgot to draft A to Z Sports

Track every 2026 NFL rookie jersey number as teams reveal picks’ official numbers and identities take shape.

4 Colts winners and losers following the results of the 2026 NFL Draft: Former draft picks' spots on the roster up in the air A to Z Sports

The 2026 NFL Draft had a few unexpected twists, from Diego Pavia going undrafted despite being a Heisman finalist to no FCS player getting selected in the first three rounds. When it came to FBS teams, Deion Sanders’ Colorado joined Bill Belichick’s UNC, earning an unwanted feat, sending zero players to the NFL. Colorado had […]

The 2026 NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams have made their selections to fill necessary positions on their respective rosters, while other teams have made some head-scratching picks during the draft. Sure, some of these questionable picks might pay off in the future, but only time will tell. The teams that know what they’re doing will likely see the rookies they’ve drafted flourish into talented superstars for years to come. On the other hand, some teams look silly for missing out on talented players who would make a significant impact on their respective rosters, making them losers of draft weekend. Here at TPS, we’re going to take a look at teams that came out of the 2026 NFL Draft as winners and those that came out of the draft as losers. Who are the biggest winners and losers in the 2026 NFL Draft? Winners: Baltimore RavensJan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Ravens entered the 2026 NFL Draft needing a new interior lineman, and they nailed the pick by drafting Vega Ioane, who gave up zero sacks in his final season with the Penn State Nittany Lions. By addressing the interior offensive line issue, the Ravens found a guy in Ioane, who’ll likely replicate the production Tyler Linderbaum left behind during the upcoming 2026 NFL season, and provide Lamar Jackson with the necessary protection he needs to succeed. The Ravens added some receivers in the third and fourth rounds of the draft with Ja’Kobi Lane out of USC, Elijah Sarratt out of Indiana, and tight end Matthew Hibner out of SMU. The Ravens also drafted Zion Young out of Missouri, who should help make a positive impact on the team’s pass-rush during the 2026 regular season, and drafted Adam Randall out of Clemson, who should be a serviceable backup running back behind Derrick Henry. Despite general manager Eric DeCosta flopping the rumored Maxx Crosby trade, he managed to make some serious home runs on highly graded draft prospects that will likely help the team rebound from 2025 and potentially get them back into the playoffs. With these additions to the roster, the Ravens will be a very exciting team to watch during the 2026 regular season. Losers: Chicago BearsNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Although the Bears drafted Dillon Thieneman in the first round to help bolster their secondary, they neglected to address the pass-rush in the early rounds. The Bears drafted Zavion Thomas in the third round of the draft, even though he was projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick, making him a bit of a reach to draft him that high. The Bears also made a questionable pick, drafting tight end Sam Roush in the third round, when they already have Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland on the roster, making Roush an unnecessary luxury. On top of that, they drafted center Logan Jones out of Iowa, even though they already traded for veteran center Garrett Bradbury during the offseason. Stashing a rookie center and having him wait for his opportunity to start behind a seasoned veteran, while the team’s defense is still in need of repairs, is a bit questionable, especially when their 2026 season will be tougher, as they enter the year as defending NFC North Champions. Winners: Dallas CowboysDallas Cowboys helmet (Photo By Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The Cowboys may make questionable moves during the offseason and before the regular season, but they had an excellent 2026 NFL Draft. Securing Caleb Downs to bolster the team’s secondary will pay off during the regular season, and he’ll work nicely with cornerback DaRon Bland. The Cowboys also drafted Malachi Lawrence with the 23rd pick of the draft, addressing the pass-rush issue the team had, since they traded away Micah Parsons before the start of the 2025 season. Drafting offensive tackle Drew Shelton will help protect Dak Prescott, as he only allowed one sack during his final season at Penn State. Drafting Jaishawn Barham, Devin Moore, and LT Overton in the third and fourth rounds will also help the defense out in 2026. The Cowboys’ focus on addressing the defense for the upcoming 2026 season should pay dividends, as their defense was miserable to watch in the 2025 season. Downs, Barham, Moore, and Overton should work quite nicely with the Cowboys’ new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker’s system, and his defensive schemes for the upcoming 2026 season. Losers: Pittsburgh SteelersSteelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Steelers had a chaotic first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, making a massive blunder when they were outmaneuvered by their instate rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles, who traded up to draft Makai Lemon with the 20th pick, when they were on the phone with him, hoping to snag him with the 21st pick. Pittsburgh would draft Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick instead, but he’s already being considered a reach when there were many more talented prospects available, as he started playing football in 2021 when he enrolled at East Los Angeles College. The Steelers drafted wide receivers Germie Bernard in the second round and Kaden Wetjen in the fourth round, who aren’t really known as gamechangers, since they weren’t able to draft Lemon. The Steelers also drafted quarterback Drew Allar in the third round, even though they still have Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, as we still don’t know whether Aaron Rodgers will play in 2026 or not. Pittsburgh might have some problems at quarterback heading into the 2026 season, as drafting a developmental quarterback is not the answer for the position moving forward, especially since Allar is recovering from an ankle injury that ended his 2025 season at Penn State. Though anything can change regarding Aaron Rodgers’ status, things are looking bleak for the Steelers heading into the upcoming regular season. Winners: Las Vegas RaidersAug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Raiders had a nice draft night, drafting Fernando Mendoza, who should establish himself as the team’s franchise quarterback of the future, and snagging some impressive steals in the later rounds. The Raiders drafted Jermond McCoy in the fourth round of the NFL draft, as he is still recovering from a torn ACL from his final season with the Tennessee Volunteers. We hope he recovers well in time for the start of the 2026 season. Safety Treydan Stukes, who was drafted in the second round, should also help the Raiders’ secondary, along with Dalton Johnson, who was taken in the fifth round. Keyron Crawford will serve as a great rotational player who should make things work in the team’s pass-rush. They also drafted Trey Zuhn III in the third round, as he should provide Mendoza or Kirk Cousins with some necessary protection during the upcoming season. The Raiders added some top-tier talent to their roster for the 2026 season. The question is, will this talent help them rebound in the upcoming regular season? Losers: Arizona CardinalsJan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Although the Cardinals drafted Jeremiyah Love, the move was viewed as controversial, due to the team needing to improve their defensive and offensive lines. The Cardinals failed to find a trading partner and missed out on drafting guys like linebacker Arvell Reese and Fracis Mauigoa, who both went to the New York Giants. Arizona did draft quarterback Carson Beck in the third round of the draft, but critics have argued that he looks like he’ll likely be a developmental quarterback instead of a starter, and passed on drafting guys like Drew Allar and Garrett Nussmeier, who were drafted later on by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs, respectively. The Cardinals addressed some issues on offense by drafting Chase Bisontis in the second round, but neglected to address their issues on defense, having one of the league’s worst defenses in the 2025 season. They drafted two defensive players in the draft: defensive tackle Kaleb Proctor in the fourth round and linebacker Karson Sharar in the sixth round. The Red Birds are likely going to have another rough season ahead of them, as they don’t know what their identity will be heading into the new regular season come September. Winners: Cleveland BrownsAug 17, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Cleveland Browns helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports The Browns had a nice weekend, drafting some much-needed offensive talent from wide receivers and offensive linemen to their roster. Drafting Spencer Fano, Austin Barber, and Parker Brailsford will improve the team’s offensive line for the 2026 season. Drafting wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston and tight ends Joe Royer and Carsen Beyer should help the team out in the passing attack, with Boston winning battles on the outside, making for a great addition to the team’s offense. Emmanuel McNeil-Warren should patrol the Browns’ secondary quite nicely and work well with veteran cornerback Denzel Ward, and is considered a draft steal from the second round. The Browns provided their already loaded quarterback room with protection and offensive weapons heading into the 2026 season. Losers: Buffalo BillsBuffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) The Bills made some odd decisions trading out of the first round of the 2026 NFL draft three separate times, and didn’t make a selection until the second round of the draft, drafting T. J. Parker with the 35th pick. Parker is currently viewed as a rotational player, rather than a primary starter, as he saw a dip in production during the 2025 season at Clemson, where he had 37 tackles and five sacks in his final year with the Tigers. The Bills traded away cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders to facilitate moves in the second round, but have created a massive hole in their secondary as a result. Sure, they drafted Davison Igbinosun and Toriano Pride Jr. to replace Johnson, but they won’t replicate his production in the secondary immediately in week one of the regular season, and neither of them is considered a starter. The Bills missed out on drafting talented players who include wide receiver KC Concepcion and safety Dillon Thieneman, who would’ve made huge impacts on the roster during the 2026 season. The Bills are still talented on offense with Josh Allen leading the way, but they had too many missed opportunities as a result and didn’t draft any significant gamechangers who will help them in the 2026 season. Winners: Tampa Bay BuccaneersNov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images The Bucs addressed their defensive needs at the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting Ruben Bain Jr. with the 15th pick, as he’ll provide the team’s pass-rush with a much-needed boost of strength. Not to mention picking him at 15 is considered a steal. Other defensive talent drafted by the Buccaneers includes linebacker Josiah Trotter in the second round, as he’s viewed as a successor to Lavonte David, cornerback Keionte Scott in the fourth round, and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart in the fifth round. These defensive picks should work quite nicely under head coach Todd Bowles and defensive pass game coordinator George Edwards in the 2026 season. General manager Jason Licht made some draft-day trades, whether it was trading down for depth and making sure they had offensive insurance, as they wanted to draft wide receiver Ted Hurst in the third round of the draft. The Bucs landed some immediate starters who should hit the ground running instead of focusing on long-term projects, ensuring they stay competitive in the NFC South. The Bucs also drafted offensive guard Billy Schrauth in the fifth round, who should help stabilize the team’s offensive line during the regular season. We look forward to seeing how the Bucs will utilize their nice draft haul during the 2026 regular season. Losers: Los Angeles RamsJan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Rams made some odd decisions during the NFL draft, as they traded up into the first round with the Atlanta Falcons and drafted Ty Simpson with the 13th pick, as many believed Simpson was going to be selected in the late first round or early second round, making his selection a significant reach. Picking Simpson with that pick shows they want to have a succession plan for when or if Matthew Stafford retires, but the pick also shows neglect for specific needs the Rams didn’t address, such as getting players who would make a significant impact, such as drafting a high-impact wide receiver. Simpson is also someone who isn’t going to be a starter right away, as he had one year of significant starting experience at Alabama, and he will likely see limited action on the field, as Stafford will start in 2026. Sure, they drafted guys like tight end Max Klare in the second round, offensive tackle Kaegen Trost in the third round, wide receiver CJ Daniels in the sixth round, and defensive tackle Tim Keenan III, but they are not projected to be immediate starters. Not to mention drafting Klare seemed unnecessary, as the Rams already have Tyler Higbee, Terrance Ferguson, Davis Allen, and Colby Parkinson on the roster. On top of that, head coach Sean McVay looked frustrated and baffled during the team’s drafting process, which is never a good sign.

Steelers sign an underrated pass catcher that the rest of the NFL forgot about following the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh A to Z Sports

The Cleveland Browns dominated during the 2026 NFL Draft. Cleveland put their war chest of draft picks to good use, adding multiple playmakers on both sides of the ball. Now the Browns are receiving almost universal praise from analysts for their excellent draft haul. Cleveland’s 2026 draft class has already received praise from multiple national […] The post Browns’ loaded 2026 draft class universally lauded among NFL’s best appeared first on ClutchPoints.

The 2026 NFL Draft is officially in the books, and every team snagged as much collegiate talent as they could during the weekend. While some teams managed to hit some major home runs, other teams made some questionable picks and some head-scratching moves during the draft. Here at TPS, we’re going to explore and grade each team’s overall performance during the draft and see whether these picks will help them moving forward. Which teams had the best and worst grades after the 2026 NFL Draft? Arizona Cardinals: D+Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of an Arizona Cardinals helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Cardinals may have drafted Jeremiyah Love with the third pick of the NFL draft, but they made some questionable moves, drafting Carson Beck in the third round, when Drew Allar and Clay Klubnik were still on the board. The Cardinals also didn’t really address key issues like fixing their offensive and defensive lines, which raises some questions about how the team plans to move forward in the 2026 regular season. Atlanta Falcons: DNov 10, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Atlanta Falcons helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Falcons didn’t make any selections during the second round, but their highest pick was cornerback Avieon Terrell in the second round, who should do some good in the secondary. However, the Falcons’ gamble on James Pearce Jr., who was drafted in 2025, flopped due to his missing time with injuries and legal issues off the field. The Falcons also entered the 2026 draft with five draft picks, making selecting players very difficult throughout the weekend. Baltimore Ravens: A-Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; A view of Baltimore Ravens players’ helmets on a heated bench against the Pittsburgh Steelers in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images The Ravens had a very nice draft haul, drafting Vega Ioane to fix the offensive line in the first round and drafting Zion Young in the second round to improve the pass-rush. The Ravens also drafted wide receivers, Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt, for Lamar Jackson to work with, and were able to address key deficiencies in the roster for a stronger 2026 season. Buffalo Bills: D+Buffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) The Bills made some questionable moves, trading out of the first round of the NFL Draft, and made their first selection on T. J. Parker, who is talented, but is more of a role player than a starter. Most of the Bills’ draft picks were defensive-focused, ignoring some offensive needs like the offensive line and wide receiver position, which should’ve been addressed in the earlier rounds. Carolina Panthers: B-Dec 8, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Carolina Panthers helmet rests on the bench against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Panthers strengthened their offensive and defensive lines with younger guys, like Monroe Freeling, getting drafted in the first round, and Monroe Hunter, getting drafted in the second round. Zakee Wheatly looks to be a late-round steal, as he provides Bryce Young and the Panthers with a guy who offers strong range and coverage ability in space. The Panthers are looking to make some noise and improve upon their 2025 season. Let’s see how everything plays out during the 2026 season. Chicago Bears: CNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Bears addressed some key issues in the secondary by drafting Dillon Thieneman with the 25th pick of the NFL draft, but made some questionable decisions afterward. Drafting Sam Roush was unnecessary, as the team has Cole Kmet and Colston Loveland still on the roster. On top of that, the Bears didn’t bother to address the need at pass-rush, which is a big problem heading into a very competitive 2026 season, as they’re betting on Montez Sweat and Austin Booker to stay healthy for the season. Cincinnati Bengals: B+Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; A general view of the helmet of Cincinnati Bengals long snapper Cal Adomitis (48) during warmups before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images The Bengals traded away their first-round pick to acquire veteran defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence from the Giants, while drafting Cashis Howell in the second round to bolster the pass-rush. The Bengals also found some nice steals in the later rounds, including tight end Brian Parker II and wide receiver Colbie Young for Joe Burrow to work with in the passing game, as the team looks to make large strides during the 2026 season. Cleveland Browns: ANov 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Cleveland Browns helmets on a time out against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images The Browns had a very nice weekend at the NFL draft, drafting offensive talent like Spencer Fano for the offensive line and KC Concepcion to help bolster the passing attack. General manager Andrew Berry also traded down to accumulate extra picks while also landing his top targets during the draft, especially drafting Denzel Boston, who is looking like a second-round steal. Dallas Cowboys: A-Dallas Cowboys helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The Cowboys prioritized defense during the draft and snagged some incredible talent from the likes of Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence in the first round. Drafting offensive tackle Drew Shelton is a nice addition to the team’s offensive line, as he’ll provide Dak Prescott with some much-needed protection in the 2026 season. Denver Broncos: C+Oct 12, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of a Denver Broncos helmet against the Kansas City Chiefs prior to a game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports The Broncos didn’t make any selections in the 2026 NFL draft until the third round, as they traded their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Jalen Waddle’s services. The team may have found a steal in the fifth round in Justin Joly, who has a high football IQ and strong hands to make excellent catches. The Broncos’ strategy was to draft high-valued skill positioned played in the middle rounds of the draft. We’ll have to see if it’ll pay off for them during the season. Detroit Lions: BHelmet of Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (not in the photo) before the NFC divisional round between Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders] at Ford Field in Detroit on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. The Lions opened up the 2026 NFL Draft by drafting Blake Miller, who will likely become a day-one starter on the offensive line. On the defensive side, the team drafted Derrick Moore in the second round, as he provides the team with a powerful rusher and an incredible complement to Aidan Hutchinson. These moves should help the Lions potentially make a return to the playoffs after the 2026 regular season. Green Bay Packers: BGreen Bay Packers helmet (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The Packers made six selections in the 2026 draft, only their fewest since the 2004 NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst made it his priority to focus on adding defensive talent to the team, as he and the Packers found gems in Brandon Cisse and Chris McClellan. Not to mention, Dani Dennis-Sutton should work quite nicely with Micah Parsons during the upcoming season. Houston Texans: BAug 9, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Houston Texans helmet sits on the sidelines during the 4th quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-USA TODAY Sports The Texans made some good investments in the trenches by adding Keyland Rutledge to the interior offensive line in the first round and Febechi Nwaiwu in the fourth round, as they look to provide C. J. Stround with some nice protection in 2026. Defensive Tackle Kayden McDonald is a nice steal for the Texans, as he’ll improve throughout the regular season, thanks to how talented the team’s defense is. Indianapolis Colts: B-Nov 2, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on the sideline following a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images The Colts didn’t make their first selections until the second round of the draft. They did give their defense a boost by drafting CJ Allen and A. J. Haulcy, as they have the potential to become starters. General manager Chris Ballard targeted players from the SEC and the Big Ten with a focus on the defense, as the team struggled defensively and needed to find a replacement for Zaire Franklin. Jacksonville Jaguars: DNov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars helmets on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Jaguars entered the 2026 draft by not addressing their need at running back or linebacker, but focused more on pass-rush and in-trench talent. Offensive guard Emmanuel Pregnon should contribute right away on the offensive line, but the Jaguars missed the opportunity to find Travis Etienne’s replacement during draft night, which is going to have a huge impact on the team during the 2026 regular season. Kansas City Chiefs: BFeb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Kansas City Chiefs helmet in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Chiefs addressed their need at the secondary by drafting cornerback Mansoor Delane in the first round and Jadon Canady in the fourth round of the NFL draft, as they will likely flourish under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. Peter Woods and Mason Thomas are other great options the Chiefs snagged in the draft, as they’ll also help refresh the team’s defense in the upcoming 2026 season. Las Vegas Raiders: A-Aug 23, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; A Las Vegas Raiders Riddell speedflex helmet on the field at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports We all knew Fernando Mendoza was going to get selected first overall, which is great for their potential long-term solution at quarterback, depending on how Kirk Cousins does in 2026. However, the Raiders also drafted guys like Treydan Stukes and Jermond McCoy in the second and fourth rounds, respectively, who will give the team’s secondary a much-needed boost in 2026. Los Angeles Chargers: BAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports The Chargers drafted Akheem Mesidor with their first-round pick, as he provides the team with a potential successor to Khalil Mack for when he hangs up the cleats. The Chargers also drafted Jake Slaughter, Travis Burke, Logan Taylor, and Alex Harkey to strengthen the offensive line, providing Justin Herbert with much-needed protection heading into the 2026 season. Los Angeles Rams: C-Jan 19, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Rams helmet on the sidelines against the Philadelphia Eagles in a 2025 NFC divisional round game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images The Rams made some head-scratching decisions on night one of the draft by selecting Ty Simpson with the 13th pick, which some say was a bit of a reach. The team also didn’t address their need at wide receiver by missing out on talented gamechangers. However, they did draft Keagan Trost, who will strengthen the team’s offensive line heading into the 2026 season, which is necessary if the team wants to make a strong championship run. Miami Dolphins: B-Aug 3, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, US; A general view of a Miami Dolphins helmet on the field during training camp at Baptist Health Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports The Dolphins ended up picking 13 players from the 2026 NFL draft, with Kayden Procter being a nice addition to the team’s offensive line heading into the regular season. Newly drafted linebacker Jacob Rodriguez provides the team with a high football IQ and instincts, making him a great find for head coach Jeff Hafley’s system, even though he has to get more physical over time. Minnesota Vikings: C-Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Detailed view of a Minnesota Vikings helmet during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Vikings didn’t find much in the 2026 NFL draft, as they focused on retooling their defense for the upcoming season. Caleb Banks might be a reach, as he suffered a broken foot before the combine, which is a red flag heading into the regular season. The team’s most impactful rookie might be Jakobe Thomas, who has size and physicality, but can be inconsistent and more of a rotational player. New England Patriots: BPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) Despite the distractions with head coach Mike Vrabel off the field, the Patriots made some nice moves during the draft. The team drafted Caleb Lomu, who has the potential to become a starter on the offensive line, Gabe Jacas, who has the potential to cause havoc in the team’s pass-rush, and Eli Raridon, who is a nice compliment to Hunter Henry. On top of that, cornerback Karon Prunty should complement Christian Gonzalez quite nicely in the secondary. New Orleans Saints: BDec 23, 2024; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; General view of a New Orleans Saints helmet during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images The Saints had a nice weekend, drafting Jordyn Tyson and Bryce Lance in the first and fourth rounds, respectively, giving Tyler Shough some new offensive weapons to work with in the 2026 season. Not to mention great passing options to pair up with Chris Olave moving forward. Defensive Tackle Christian Miller and tight end Oscar Delp should also develop into stars for the team right away for the upcoming 2026 season, especially Miller, who can serve as a potential replacement for Cameron Jordan, who was released during the offseason. New York Giants: AOct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New York Giants helmets on the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images The John Harbaugh era for the Giants started with a bang, drafting Arvell Reese fifth overall and Francis Mauigoa 10th overall (courtesy of the Cincinnati Bengals via trading Dexter Lawrence), which will pay huge dividends for the G-Men in the 2026 season. Not to mention adding Colton Hood, who is a competitive and athletic cornerback, bolsters the Giants’ secondary, making for a more exciting team to watch in the upcoming regular season. New York Jets: AAug 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New York Jets helmets during the second half against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports Gang Green had a very impressive weekend, drafting David Bailey with the second pick, who will immediately make a huge impact in the pass-rush, and tight end Kenyon Sadiq and wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr., who both will help in the passing attack in the 2026 season. The Jets may not be playoff contenders just yet, but these picks should potentially help them get over the hump in their current rebuild ahead of them. Philadelphia Eagles: A-Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Detailed view of a Philadelphia Eagles helmet during Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Eagles traded up to draft Makai Lemon, while he was on the phone with the Steelers, which was grade A genius, as they found their potential replacement for A. J. Brown, who is rumored to be traded out of town before the season begins, and snagging tight end Eli Stowers to pair up with Dallas Goedart will be very intriguing to see in action. The Eagles also gave their offensive line a boost of strength, drafting Markel Bell and Micah Morris in the third and sixth rounds, respectively, providing Jalen Hurts with more protection. Pittsburgh Steelers: C-Steelers helmet (Photo via Eric Hartline-Imagn Images) The Steelers were humiliated by the Eagles in the first round, forcing them to act fast and draft tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick, even though he’s been playing football since 2021. The Steelers also drafted another quarterback in Drew Allar, as they’re preparing for a scenario in case Aaron Rodgers chooses not to return to playing, making for some interesting quarterback competition between him, Will Howard, and Mason Rudolph before the start of the 2026 season. San Francisco 49ers: C+San Francisco 49ers helmet (Photo via Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) Similar to the Bills, the 49ers also traded out of the first round and made their first selection in the second round with De’Zhaun Stribing, who should develop into a nice game-changer for them despite lacking consistency to create separation, as they hope to find Brandon Aiyuk’s replacement if the team can find a trade partner for him. However, drafting Romello Height in the third round should help the team’s pass-rush, as they’ve dealt with numerous injuries throughout the last couple of years, and he’ll likely develop the strength he needs during the regular season. Seattle Seahawks: BDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Seahawks addressed their biggest need in the draft by drafting Jadarian Price, who should be able to learn and replicate the production Kenneth Walker III left behind in the upcoming NFL season. Not to mention the team bolstered their secondary with Bud Clark, Julian Neal, and Andre Fuller, who’ll make nice additions to the “Dark Side” defense in the regular season. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B+Nov 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmets against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Ruben Bain Jr., Josiah Trotter, and Keionte Scott could each become starters on the Bucs’ defense during the 2026 season, especially Bain Jr., who’ll likely become a physical force to be reckoned with for years to come. Drafting Ted Hurst in the third round was a great move, as he has the potential to do some incredible things paired up with Emeka Egbuka and Chris Godwin in the post-Mike Evans era. Tennessee Titans: C+Aug 25, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Detailed view of the Tennessee Titans helmet against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports The Titans stunned the NFL world by drafting Carnell Tate, who was expected to be drafted later, but the goal for the team is to get Cam Ward some new weapons to work with on offense. Kendric Faulk and Anthony Hill will flourish under head coach Robert Saleh and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s system and schemes in the upcoming season. Washington Commanders: B+Sep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images Drafting Sonny Styles is a great addition to the team’s defense, and he’ll serve as a replacement for Bobby Wagner, who was released this past offseason. However, Antonio Williams, who was drafted in the third round, has the potential to make his way into the starting rotation and make a positive impact in the Commanders’ passing attack. Not to mention, Kaytron Allen provides the team with a guy who can make plays on short yardage during the regular season.

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The Jacksonville Jaguars did not follow the crowd during the 2026 NFL Draft. Jacksonville made some unpopular picks during the draft and has already received plenty of criticism in the media. The critics are out in full force as analysts begin compiling draft grades after an exciting weekend of action. The Athletic’s Dane Brugler ranked […] The post Expert ranks Jaguars’ draft class as worst in NFL appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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