The NFL Draft dust is settling. Rookie minicamps and OTAs — with the league’s schedule release sandwiched in-between — are the NFL’s calendar’s next major checkpoints.
It’s the perfect time to step back and take stock, which The Athletic’s NFL writers will do. Which teams are better? Which teams got worse? Did your favorite team fill the necessary holes to improve? Is there still work to be done?
Our writers break down the post-NFL draft outlook for all 32 teams heading into the summer.
Arizona Cardinals
Don’t let the draft-weekend optimism fool you — the Cardinals have a long road ahead. They will start the season with one of the least successful QB rooms in the league. They have not done much to improve a defense that faded late last season. Key players are still recovering from serious injuries. Plus, they play in perhaps the most challenging division in the league, the NFC West. This will take time. — Doug Haller
Atlanta Falcons
Nothing that happened in the draft changed the prospects for the Falcons’ first season under GM Ian Cunningham, head coach Kevin Stefanski and president of football Matt Ryan. This is not exactly a Year Zero for the new regime, but Atlanta was conservative in free agency and did not have a first-round pick last weekend. The Falcons could snap their streak of eight straight losing seasons and even earn a playoff spot in an NFC South without a prohibitive favorite, but this offseason was mostly about re-establishing a foundation. — Josh Kendall
Baltimore Ravens
This has been an offseason of change, with Jesse Minter replacing John Harbaugh, a new coaching staff coming in and a number of free-agent defections. The Ravens still have Lamar Jackson, though, and when he’s healthy and engaged, Baltimore typically wins. The Ravens got better during the draft and added much-needed depth at several key spots. GM Eric DeCosta’s offseason remains incomplete, however, with significant questions along the offensive and defensive lines. But this is often when DeCosta does some of his best deals, finding bargains on the depleted free-agent market and solidifying his roster by signing veterans looking to make a run at a Super Bowl. — Jeff Zrebiec
Buffalo Bills
The most impactful addition the Bills made this offseason was DJ Moore in March. They view him as a potential No. 1 receiver for quarterback Josh Allen. If the Bills’ passing attack is going to return with some down-the-field prominence, Moore will be their ticket to doing so. The most significant question is whether first-time head coach Joe Brady can raise the Bills’ ceiling from their previous playoff exits. Their success will also depend on the draft and player extension choices that general manager Brandon Beane has made. — Joe Buscaglia
Carolina Panthers
As Jake Delhomme reminded the fans in Pittsburgh when announcing the Day 2 picks, the Panthers are the reigning NFC South champions. And with what they did in free agency and the draft, they should be in good position to defend the division in what is an important year for Bryce Young and the franchise. They helped themselves in the draft. Monroe Freeling looks like the long-term answer at left tackle. And wideout Chris Brazzell II, the third-round pick from Tennessee, has game-changing speed and a knack for coming down with the ball on deep throws. That’s an element the offense has lacked. — Joseph Person
Chicago Bears
Day 2 of this draft will be highly scrutinized. The three picks (center Logan Jones, tight end Sam Roush and receiver Zavion Thomas) are not in line to be immediate contributors. Good teams that pick late in drafts can feel comfortable relying on their process because they return so many good players. Though the depth is fortified on offense, the defense hampered the Bears most last season. They appeared to get good value with safety Dillon Thieneman and their Day 3 defensive players, but the focus this spring and summer will be on whether the defensive front can rebound. — Kevin Fishbain
Cincinnati Bengals
This roster isn’t without holes. Linebacker, slot corner and swing tackle are dangerously thin. Yet, this team and, specifically, this defense will arrive at the start of training camp in July with a group more than capable of winning the Super Bowl. The revitalization of the defensive line turned out to be a masterpiece, in retrospect, rolling eight deep with legitimate threats against the run and pass. The addition of Dexter Lawrence as the centerpiece that the entire line revolves around put each player into a role better fit to their skill set. They are far more versatile, deep and capable of expanding upon Al Golden’s scheme in his second season as defensive coordinator. — Paul Dehner Jr.
Cleveland Browns
Spencer Fano will have to re-learn left tackle after spending his final two college seasons on the right side, but the Browns trust he will adjust quickly. A really good defense is mostly intact, and the offense has only one way to go. The Browns are still mostly rebuilding the offensive roster and hoping for incremental improvement. General manager Andrew Berry appears to have run a smart draft that targeted obvious areas, giving the Browns a chance to show significant offensive progress by the middle of the 2026 season. — Zac Jackson
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have certainly improved their defensive roster. They could still potentially make some veteran additions, but it’s not difficult to see the group has been upgraded from a year ago. Christian Parker has never called a defense, so there could be growing pains early with the new defensive staff. But he appears to have the pieces for a group that can complement what should again be one of the NFL’s top offenses. The defense doesn’t have to be great. A middle-of-the-pack bunch should get the Cowboys back in the playoffs. There are reasons to believe this will be a better team than the previous two years. — Jon Machota
Denver Broncos
The Broncos, with their first four picks, added depth pieces on the offensive and defensive lines, a running back in Jonah Coleman who could prove to be a needed upgrade at RB3. This is a complete roster, perhaps the most well-rounded since Sean Payton arrived as head coach. That provides no guarantee, of course, that Denver will once again win 14 games. The AFC West still has teeth. The Broncos, though, are heading into preparations for the 2026 season with no obvious holes on the roster. The question now is whether some of the rookies the Broncos added in the NFL Draft can improve the team on the margins. — Nick Kosmider
Detroit Lions
Think about the laundry list of needs the Lions entered the offseason with: a new offensive coordinator, a long-term center, tackle and edge and depth at safety, tight end, running back and cornerback. It took some time, but the Lions essentially crossed each one off the list. They did well to address their blind spots with a mix of youth and hungry vets. Coach Dan Campbell is on record saying he wants to get back to the mentality of their early teams, and after the offseason they’ve had, they just might have the guys to do it. — Colton Pouncy
Green Bay Packers
The Packers didn’t have any glaring holes in the starting lineup entering this draft, and that’s exactly how GM Brian Gutekunst wanted it. His goal is to assemble the team before each draft so the Packers could win a game if they had to play on draft day. The Packers didn’t take any guys who are clear-cut Day 1 starters, especially without a first-round pick, but they orchestrated what appears to be a sound draft by addressing their most significant holes, perhaps slightly lower on the depth chart, with a couple of guys who have starting-caliber potential in the not-too-distant future. — Matt Schneidman
Houston Texans
The Texans entered the draft with the goal of improving in the trenches while adding insurance at other positions, a goal they seem to have accomplished. C.J. Stroud should find himself playing behind a more formidable offensive line thanks to moves in both free agency and the draft, and a defense that already was one of the best in the league should continue to dominate. First-round pick guard Keylan Rutledge and second-round defensive tackle Kayden McDonald could both wind up starting as rookies. Tight end Marlin Klein, the second of two second-round picks, and fourth-round linebacker Wade Woodaz could also see time on offense and special teams, respectively. — Mike Jones
Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald (right) poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (left) after being drafted by the Houston Texans at the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. (Emilee Chinn / Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts
Indy’s attention will likely turn back to the trade requests of quarterback Anthony Richardson Sr. and cornerback Kenny Moore II. The Colts probably would’ve liked to move both players during the draft, but after failing to offload them, they can keep pursuing trades, release one or both of them or bring one or both of them back. Quarterback Daniel Jones’ rehab from a torn Achilles tendon will also re-enter the spotlight. GM Chris Ballard said he wouldn’t rule out Jones’ participation in OTAs, but he’ll likely be limited, with backup Riley Leonard taking the majority of first-team reps. — James Boyd
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars recognized the need to round out the roster with better depth pieces who fit coach Liam Coen’s offensive scheme and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile’s plan. So they might have taken a step back on paper by losing running back Travis Etienne and linebacker Devin Lloyd, but the Jaguars’ true progress will be measured by internal development. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence looked much more comfortable as he adjusted to Coen’s offense, and receiver Jakobi Meyers’ midseason acquisition helped that cause. Now that Meyers has a full offseason in Jacksonville, Travis Hunter has a chance to increase his role and others can continue their trajectory, it’s not that difficult to forecast an even better season from the Jags, even if it’ll be a challenge to match the 13-4 record from 2025. — Jeff Howe
Kansas City Chiefs
Coming off a 6-11 season, the Chiefs have set themselves up to be among the AFC’s top teams again if more things break their way in 2026. The fact that quarterback Patrick Mahomes appears on track to start Week 1 after suffering a torn ACL should enhance optimism. For K.C. to bounce back, though, the defense will need to be much improved. The Chiefs heavily invested in that side of the ball with their early draft stock this year, which means those players need to produce if the team hopes to re-establish itself among the NFL’s elite. — Jesse Newell
Las Vegas Raiders
There was always going to be something to be excited about with this draft class because of Fernando Mendoza. But what the Raiders did on Days 2 and 3 — while not as flashy — should be reason for optimism as well. Las Vegas addressed its lack of playmaking defensive backs in a big way, drafting four of them, all of whom are touted for their ball skills. And its other selections all boast skill sets that can help the team in the short and long term. Above all, a common theme connected each draft pick. Every new Raider is heralded for their high character, with several being multiple-time team captains. GM John Spytek has a clear image of the kind of player he wants on the roster, and he’s doing the most to establish a new culture in the organization. — Sam Warren
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers did an excellent job addressing needs. They added a third edge rusher in Akheem Mesidor. They added competition at guard, starting with Jake Slaughter. They brought in speed and run-after-the-catch ability with Brenen Thompson. They filled the fifth spot on their interior defensive line depth chart with Nick Barrett. They bolstered the tackle depth with Travis Burke. Genesis Smith has the deep-field skill set to push for snaps in sub-packages as a rookie. This was a superb draft for Joe Hortiz. In particular, they dramatically revamped the offensive line room. As coach Jim Harbaugh mentioned Saturday, the Chargers only had three offensive linemen under contract for 2026 when last season ended. They are now up to 14, with some exciting young talent in the mix. — Daniel Popper
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams made it clear through their approach that they viewed their roster as Super Bowl-ready entering the draft. That’s reasonable after losing in the NFC Championship Game last season, and after addressing their top weakness with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson at outside cornerback. But the approach also introduces some risk. The Rams have sky-high aspirations, and though the draft class didn’t add to that ceiling, it did raise the floor a tad. The moves for McDuffie and Watson should have them feeling like they’re firmly in the mix for the Super Bowl, so long as they can find some answers on special teams. — Nate Atkins
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins intentionally took a step back this offseason to begin the long process of resetting their salary cap, thanks to a failed Tua Tagovailoa contract extension that will impact the roster for years. They also released wideout Tyreek Hill and linebacker Bradley Chubb and traded receiver Jaylen Waddle in cost-cutting measures. There’s also a big-time unknown with quarterback Malik Willis, who has plenty of talent but just six career starts. This figures to be a challenging season for the Dolphins with so much dead money clogging the books. — Howe
Minnesota Vikings
The fun has only just begun. Soon, the Vikings will find their way to the field for offseason workouts. These sessions will start to shape what is bound to be a fascinating training camp and 2026 season. The Vikings are betting big on internal development, and the day-to-day improvement will be worth monitoring. There are other massive storylines to follow, too, such as left tackle Christian Darrisaw’s health, a potential extension for right tackle Brian O’Neill and Dallas Turner’s ability to fill Jonathan Greenard’s shoes at edge rusher? These are all critical layers as the Vikings push past the disappointment of 2025. — Alec Lewis
New England Patriots
On paper, the Patriots are a better team today than when they walked off the field in the Super Bowl. And that’s before factoring in a likely trade with the Eagles for A.J. Brown. But the roster still has a few question marks, and the schedule is daunting, so it won’t be a surprise if they end up with a worse record. There’s also the question of whether Mike Vrabel will be around the team in a full-time capacity after he stepped away from Day 3 of the draft. But if the Patriots acquire Brown without giving up a first-round pick, this will feel like a home run of an offseason. — Chad Graff
New Orleans Saints
Building pieces around a starting quarterback becomes easier when you actually believe you have a starting quarterback. That’s where the Saints are with Tyler Shough, which resulted in the ability to spend money more freely in free agency. Adding pieces at running back (Travis Etienne Jr.), guard (David Edwards), tight end (Noah Fant) and linebacker (Kaden Elliss) allowed the Saints to attack positions of need in the draft. Taking three wide receivers seems like a lot, but it was necessary. And adding a potential anchor at nose tackle could make the defense feel more like Brandon Staley’s creation. — Larry Holder
New York Giants
On paper, the draft really couldn’t have gone any better for the Giants. There’s protection for quarterback Jaxson Dart with the Francis Mauigoa selection, and he’s got a different kind of playmaker to turn to with the pick of WR Malachi Fields. There’s cornerback flexibility in Colton Hood, a player that Dane Brugler proclaims to have the “talent and wiring to be an early NFL starter.” And there’s an obvious potential star added to the defense in Arvell Reese. “We’ll talk about results down the road,” John Harbaugh said. “You got to find out. We’ll see. It’s like all draft classes. You don’t know until you get out there and start playing. But on the surface right now, I feel great about it.” — Charlotte Carroll
New York Jets
The goal for the Jets was to raise the floor for a team that was often a disaster last season, especially on defense. It was clear Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn had to add stability after the Jets bottomed out in such a significant way at season’s end. The GM and coach did that in free agency by prioritizing proven veterans and leadership at positions of need. The way they went about the draft felt similar, especially at the top. The Jets still feel far away from the playoffs, but the goal for 2026 is about a simple C-word: competence. That’s what this offseason was about — even if that might feel like a low bar. — Zack Rosenblatt
Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver Makai Lemon and tight end Eli Stowers should immediately contribute. GM Howie Roseman leveraged his draft capital in trades for Lemon, a top-15 player on their board, and edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, whom the Eagles signed to a four-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. They picked Markel Bell (No. 68) and Micah Morris (No. 207), which gives them depth behind a starting lineup of Pro Bowl-caliber players, but doesn’t preclude them from taking bigger swings in 2027. I wouldn’t expect the Eagles to be done adding depth at edge rusher and safety this summer. — Brooks Kubena
Pittsburgh Steelers
Mike McCarthy inherited a 10-win playoff team that had a ton of salary-cap space to make noise in free agency and a league-high 12 draft picks. After an aggressive push to sign starters to fill holes, a trade for Michael Pittman Jr. and a draft in which several immediate needs were addressed, the roster looks stronger than the one McCarthy took over. Three factors will determine this team’s ceiling: How quickly does this young offensive line come together? Can new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham make the most of a highly compensated, veteran group? And more than anything, assuming the 42-year-old QB does sign, at what level will Aaron Rodgers play? — Mike DeFabo
San Francisco 49ers
General manager John Lynch had said the 49ers didn’t have a lot of needs coming into the draft, and they did add an edge rusher, a defensive tackle and a guard. He is looking at some serious contributions from last year’s draft class, probably a lot more than this one, in 2026. The 49ers have several veterans looking to make one more run at a Super Bowl, but they didn’t really add any impact newcomers with their eight picks. — Vic Tafur
Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks entered the draft with one of the best rosters in the league. The Jadarian Price pick alone made the team better and addressed the only real hole on the roster. Once they acquired a starting running back with their first pick, everything else became about adding depth at spots where they lost players in free agency or have players on expiring contracts. They were able to do that everywhere but edge rusher and center, despite entering the draft with only four picks. Not bad. — Michael-Shawn Dugar
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The 2026 Bucs will not be an older version of the 2025 Bucs. The new Bucs are younger, partly because of the departure of Mike Evans and the retirement of Lavonte David. Their leadership, consistency and playmaking will be difficult to replace, but the Bucs believe they can fill the voids. Returning players such as Emeka Ebuka, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, Graham Barton, Calijah Kancey, Tykee Smith and Jacob Parrish are being counted on to emerge. And newcomers, including Alex Anzalone, Al-Quadin Muhammad, David Walker, Rueben Bain and Josiah Trotter could give the Bucs something they were missing last year. — Dan Pompei
Tennessee Titans
The Titans significantly improved their defensive front seven and receiving corps in the offseason but still have major questions about the interior of their offensive line. First-round pick Carnell Tate and signee Wan’Dale Robinson will be great for Cam Ward. Keldric Faulk, Anthony Hill Jr., and Jackie Marshall are draftees who further bolster a defense that had already added John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson. Cornerback depth remains an issue. And are fifth-round guard Fernando Carmona and sixth-round center Pat Coogan good enough to be answers up front? If not, then the Titans haven’t actually helped their young quarterback enough. — Joe Rexrode
Washington Commanders
On paper, Washington seems to be set up well for improvement after a disappointing 5-12 season. Much of the team’s offseason focus was on rebuilding the defense, and the Commanders found a critical piece of their long-term future there in first-round LB Sonny Styles. The Commanders also bolstered their pass rush and found more depth with Joshua Josephs, a fifth-rounder with rare length and explosiveness. What Washington still seems to lack is another offensive playmaker alongside Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin. Maybe the Commanders will find it later in the offseason, or maybe third-round receiver Antonio Williams will exceed expectations and become a go-to target. — Nicki Jhabvala
