Linebacker

The 2026 NFL Draft is approaching very quickly, as each team is looking to select a new rookie who they hope can develop into a superstar for years to come. Even though there aren’t many quarterbacks in the 2026 NFL Draft who look like game changers, there are plenty of other talented college players that each team needs to stay competitive for the upcoming 2026 season. Keep in mind, the first round isn’t the only round where talented athletes come out of, as NFL teams always find a steal in the later rounds of the draft. Here at TPS, we’re going to dive into every NFL team’s biggest need for the 2026 NFL Draft. Which kind of players does each NFL team need for the 2026 Draft? Arizona Cardinals: Offensive LineJan 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’ situation at quarterback is currently unknown, with Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew likely splitting starting time, but their biggest need is getting a new offensive lineman. Guys like Kobe Baynes, Olaivavega Ioane, or Chase Bisonte would give Brissett or Minshew the necessary protection they need to make plays work during the regular season. Atlanta Falcons: Interior defenderNov 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 have a talented roster heading into 2026, but an interior defender will help the team take the next step for the upcoming season. Peter Woods, Caleb Banks, or Kayden McDonald would flourish under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich and improve the team’s defense right from the get-go. Baltimore Ravens: Interior Offensive LineJan 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’ loss of Tyler Linderbaum is a major blow that will affect the team’s offensive line in 2026. Leave it up to general manager Eric DeCosta to find a new talented interior offensive lineman during the NFL draft. Drafting guys like Olaivavega Ioane, Emmanuel Pregnon, or Jalen Farmer would benefit the team for the upcoming season. Buffalo Bills: LinebackerBuffalo Bills helmet (Denny Medley-Imagn Images) The Bills did sign Bradley Chubb, but he’ll be 30 when the 2026 NFL season kicks off, and the team needs to draft a younger linebacker who can learn from a talented veteran like Chubb. Drafting someone like Sonny Styles, CJ Allen, or Jacob Rodriguez would help the Bills, and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard will appreciate their work ethic throughout the season. Carolina Panthers: SecondaryDec 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 addressed their need at linebacker with Jaelan Phillips and Devin Lloyd joining the roster. However, they still need to add someone to further improve the secondary. Guys like Caleb Downs, Jermod McCoy, or Mansoor Delane would give Jaycee Horn the help he needs to make the Panthers’ secondary more dangerous heading into the 2026 season. Chicago Bears: Defensive LineNov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Chicago Bears helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The biggest concern for the Bears heading into the 2026 season is the defensive line, which allowed the fourth-most yards before contact in 2025 (1.89). Bringing in someone like Domonique Orange, Christen Miller, or Darrell Jackson Jr. would work well under defensive coordinator Dennis Allen’s watch and would help them learn from Montez Sweat and Grady Jarrett.  Cincinnati Bengals: LinebackerDec 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’ linebackers finished the 2025 NFL season with the lowest grades per Pro Football Focus, and the team must address the position by drafting a game-changer for 2026. Drafting someone like Sonny Styles, Anthony Hill Jr., or Josiah Trotter would bolster the team’s strength at the position for the upcoming season. Cleveland Browns: Offensive TackleNov 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’ offensive line was awful in 2025, as they ranked 31st out of the 32 offensive line units in 2025 per Pro Football Focus.  A guy like Kayden Procter, Travis Burke, or Spencer Fano has the potential to flourish under head coach Todd Monken and offensive coordinator Travis Switzer’s schemes and system for the upcoming season. Dallas Cowboys: LinebackerDallas Cowboys helmet (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) After the Cowboys traded away Micah Parsons, their defense immediately regressed and couldn’t stop many opposing offenses in 2025. Drafting a new, young, and competitive linebacker will help improve the pass-rush for the 2026 season. Someone like Sonny Styles, Anthony Hill Jr., or Kaleb Elarms-Orr would bolster the Cowboys’ defense and work very well with defensive coordinator Christian Parker.  Denver Broncos: LinebackerOct 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 Similar to the Cowboys, the Broncos need a new linebacker, as the team released Dre Greenlaw and saw him re-sign with the San Francisco 49ers.  The Broncos could draft someone like Jacob Rodriguez, Deontae Lawson, or CJ Allen to take Greenlaw’s place for the upcoming 2026 NFL season and learn to dominate under defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Detroit Lions: Offensive TackleHelmet 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 need a formidable offensive tackle to pair with Penei Sewell and newly acquired Larry Borom, as Taylor Decker left in free agency. General Manager Brad Holmes should keep an eye on guys like Spencer Fano, Monroe Feeling, or Blake Miller, who should fit right into the team’s offense for the upcoming season. Green Bay Packers: Cornerback Dec 29, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; A Green Bay Packers helmet sits ready before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images The cornerbacks in the Packers’ secondary were bullied by opposing wide receivers in 2025, and the team needs an immediate upgrade to keep up with the competition in 2026. The team should keep their eyes on guys like Julian Neal, Will Lee III, or Malik Muhammad to replace Nate Hobbs, who left in free agency.  Houston Texans: Defensive LineAug 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 had arguably the best defense in the 2025 season, but some of their veterans are getting up there in age: Danielle Hunter will be 32 by the end of the 2026 season, Sheldon Rankins is 32, and E. J. Speed will be 31 by week one. The Texans should keep their eyes on the draft with guys like Caleb Banks, Lee Hunter, or Peter Woods, who should complement Hunter, Will Anderson Jr., and Azeez Al-Shaair in the 2026 NFL season. Indianapolis Colts: LinebackerDec 1, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; An Indianapolis Colts helmet sits on an equipment case during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images The Colts need a massive upgrade at linebacker, as Segun Olubi and Zaire Franklin are gone via free agency. Jake Golday, Josiah Trotter, and Anthony Hill Jr. are names the Colts should keep their eyes on as draft day approaches before making their decision for the position. Jacksonville Jaguars: Running BackNov 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 need a new starter at running back, as Travis Etienne Jr. signed a four-year, $52 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. The Jaguars need someone who’ll be explosive right off the bat, like Jeremyiah Love, Demond Claiborne, Emmet Johnson, or Kaelon Black, as options when looking for their next bruising rusher for 2026. Kansas City Chiefs: SecondaryFeb 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 need to rebuild their secondary, as they traded Trent McDuffie to the Los Angeles Rams and Jaylen Watson signed with the Rams via free agency.  Signing veterans like Tanner McCalister and Kader Kohu helps the secondary out, but neither of them is Pro Bowl-caliber.  Drafting guys like Mansoor Delane, Colton Hood, or Caleb Downs would flourish under defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s system during the 2026 season and beyond. Las Vegas Raiders: Interior Offensive LineAug 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 There’s no question the Raiders are going to select Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft. However, the “Silver and Black” must upgrade their offensive line if Mendoza or Kirk Cousins want to make successful plays during the regular season. The Raiders’ offensive line gave up 55 sacks when Geno Smith was under center in 2025, and the team must draft someone who’ll prevent Mendoza or Cousins from getting sacked in key games. Guys like Kaydon Procter, Logan Jones, or Brian Parker should complement newly acquired Tyler Linderbaum, depending on who the team drafts during the weekend.  Los Angeles Chargers: Interior Offensive LineAug 12, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers helmets on the bench at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Just like the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers need new offensive linemen, as Justin Herbert ran for his life throughout most of the 2025 season. Herbert was sacked 54 times during the 2025 season, and the Chargers must fix that heading into the 2026 season.  Keylan Rutledge, Emmanuel Pregnon, or Sam Hecht would be great complements to Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater on the Chargers’ offensive line, depending on who they select in the 2026 Draft.  Los Angeles Rams: Wide ReceiverJan 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 are looking like one of the more complete teams heading into the 2026 season. However, they should consider drafting a new wide receiver, as Davante Adams is going to be 34 when the season concludes, and Puka Nacua keeps making headlines for the wrong reasons. Wideouts like Omar Cooper Jr., Denzel Boston, or KC Concepcion would be excellent additions to the team’s passing attack for the upcoming season, depending upon what kind of moves the Rams make during the NFL draft. Miami Dolphins: Wide ReceiverAug 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 are in total rebuild mode, as they traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos and are loading up on draft picks.  The Dolphins could draft guys like Makai Lemon, Jordan Tyson, or Carnell Tate, who would make a great passing target for Malik Willis to work with for the upcoming regular season.  Minnesota Vikings: SafetyJan 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 are going to need a new dynamic safety patrolling the secondary, as the team released Harrison Smith during the offseason. Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are hard-hitting safeties that defensive coordinator Brian Flores would love to work with, depending on who the Vikings select in the upcoming NFL draft.  New England Patriots: Edge RusherPatriots Helmet (Photo By Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports) The 2025 Patriots had an impressive run to the Super Bowl despite losing to the Seahawks 29-13. The team needs a strong and productive edge rusher to cause havoc against opposing quarterbacks for the upcoming season.  Someone like Zion Young, T. J. Parker, or Cashius Howell would flourish under head coach Mike Vrabel’s and defensive coordinator Zak Kuhr’s schemes in the 2026 season and beyond. New Orleans Saints: Wide ReceiverDec 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 have likely found their long-term solution at quarterback with Tyler Shough, but they must surround him with more offensive weapons in the 2026 season. The Saints should draft a wide receiver like Carnell Tate, Makai Lemon, or Jordyn Tyson, who will complement Chris Olave in the passing attack and provide Shough with another great option to throw to for the upcoming NFL season.  New York Giants: Defensive LineOct 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 Jaxson Dart and new head coach John Harbaugh are going to make things exciting for the 2026 season on offense. On the defensive side of the ball, the team needs a new defensive lineman, as Dexter Lawrence recently requested a trade from the team. Guys like Peter Woods, Lee Hunter, or Dominique Orange would replicate Lawrence’s production in the upcoming season and mesh nicely with the defensive unit moving forward. New York Jets: Wide ReceiverAug 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 The Jets were an absolute disaster in the 2025 season, but they managed to improve their secondary by trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick during the offseason. The Jets must draft a new speedy wide receiver to complement Garrett Wilson for the upcoming NFL season.  Someone like Makai Lemon, Jordyn Tyson, or Chris Bell would shine under offensive coordinator Frank Reich’s system. Philadelphia Eagles: SafetyFeb 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 need a new safety to power the secondary, as Reed Blankenship signed with the Houston Texans, and Sydney Brown was traded to the Atlanta Falcons.   General Manager Howie Roseman should keep his eyes on Caleb Downs, Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, or Kamari Ramsey, who could flourish under defensive coordinator Vic Fangio during the 2026 season. Pittsburgh Steelers: Offensive LineGeneral view of a Pittsburgh Steelers helmet (Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports) The Steelers’ quarterback situation is in question, as the team currently has Will Howard and Mason Rudolph on the roster, while the team released Aaron Rodgers, and it’s not known whether he’ll play in 2026 or not.  However, the team must draft a young and talented offensive lineman who’ll protect either Howard, Rudolph, or Aaron Rodgers if he returns in 2026. Someone like Kage Casey, Gennings Dunker, or Alex Harkey would provide great protection for any quarterback under center for the Steelers for the upcoming season.  San Francisco 49ers: Edge RusherSan Francisco 49ers helmet (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images) The 49ers have a lot of talented names on their roster, but they’ve dealt with injuries for two straight seasons, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers would love having guys like T. J. Parker, Akheem Mesidor, or Rueben Bain Jr., who would learn a lot from Nick Bosa and Keion White, and shine under defensive coordinator Raheem Morris. Seattle Seahawks: Running BackDec 8, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Seattle Seahawks helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The defending Super Bowl champions saw their game-winning MVP running back, Kenneth Walker III, sign a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving them in need of a new rusher in the backfield. Guys like Jadarian Price, Mike Washington Jr., or Jonah Coleman would flourish in the team’s backfield and learn a lot from Zach Charbonnet and Cam Akers, who have championship experience at the position.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LinebackerNov 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 saw longtime linebacker Lavonte David hang up his cleats and retire during the offseason, and need a new linebacker to dominate in the pass-rush via the NFL Draft.  Someone like Jake Golday, Lander Barton, or Sonny Styles would flourish in the team’s defense and absorb knowledge from Alex Anzalone and Al-Quadin Muhammad, and fit in quite nicely with head coach Todd Bowles’ and defensive pass game coordinator George Edwards’ systems and schemes. Tennessee Titans: Interior Offensive LineAug 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 2025 Tennessee Titans were downright awful, as Cam Ward was running for his life on offense and had no offensive line protecting him from the league’s fiercest defenders.  Not to mention, Ward had virtually no one to throw to and was sacked 55 times in the 2025 season. Guys like Connor Lew, Logan Jones, Sam Hecht, or Jake Slaughter would help the Titans’ offensive line out and provide Ward with the necessary protection moving forward in the 2026 season.  Washington Commanders: CornerbackSep 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Detailed view of a Washington Commanders helmet at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images The Commanders’ 2025 season was a massive disappointment, as they dealt with injuries and had a very weak secondary. The team must focus on drafting new cornerbacks who’ll patrol the secondary and cover the league’s best wide receivers moving forward. General manager Adam Peters should consider drafting Jermod McCoy, D’Angelo Ponds, or Treydan Stukes, who’ll cause some havoc against opposing wide receivers and replicate the production that the recently released Marshon Lattimore is leaving behind.