NFL Power Rankings: Sizing up each team after the draft

NFL Power Rankings are selected by a panel of theScore's football editors. This week, we look at where each team stands following the 2026 NFL Draft.

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1. Los Angeles Rams

Previous: 1

Drafting project quarterback Ty Simpson 13th overall felt like a missed opportunity for the Rams to capitalize on their window with Matthew Stafford. However, their roster is loaded on both sides of the ball, especially after the team patched up its vulnerable secondary by acquiring Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson in March. A puzzling draft isn't enough to knock Los Angeles from the top spot.

2. Seattle Seahawks

Previous: 2

The Seahawks went running back (Jadarian Price), safety (Bud Clark), and cornerback (Julian Neal) in the first three rounds. While some may question the value of picking Price in Round 1, the reigning Super Bowl champions undoubtedly tackled their biggest needs. Price and Clark could make an immediate impact for Seattle, which lost Kenneth Walker III, Coby Bryant, and Riq Woolen in free agency.

3. Buffalo Bills

Previous: 3

Buffalo traded out of Round 1 and made only two picks in the first three rounds, but the team managed to address its biggest needs. Second-rounders T.J. Parker and Davison Igbinosun could have important roles at edge rusher and cornerback, respectively. Perhaps the Bills' most exciting selection is Skyler Bell, a fourth-rounder from UConn who was one of college football's best receivers in 2025.

4. Denver Broncos

Previous: 4

Denver didn't make its first pick until No. 66, where it took defensive lineman Tyler Onyedim, a potential replacement for John Franklin-Myers. But there was good reason for the lack of early action: Sean Payton's outfit sent its first-rounder to Miami in a March trade for standout receiver Jaylen Waddle. The Broncos boast one of the NFL's most complete rosters and don't have any glaring needs.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

Previous: 14

Howie Roseman meant business during draft week. The Eagles moved up in the first round for Biletnikoff Award-winning wideout Makai Lemon and nabbed receiving tight end Eli Stowers in Round 2, positioning themselves favorably ahead of the expected summertime trade of A.J. Brown. Philadelphia then traded for an impact edge rusher in Jonathan Greenard. Suddenly, this team looks poised for a bounce-back year.

6. Kansas City Chiefs

Previous: 7

The Chiefs did exactly what they needed to do to upgrade their defense, landing top cornerback Mansoor Delane early in the first round and adding muscle to their defensive front in Peter Woods and R Mason Thomas shortly thereafter. The only thing missing from Kansas City's haul was an elite weapon for Patrick Mahomes; the team didn't draft a wide receiver until the fifth round (Cyrus Allen).

7. New England Patriots

Previous: 6

First-round offensive tackle Caleb Lomu was a smart pick that could pay dividends sooner rather than later. He can play on both sides of the O-line, potentially serving as a replacement for Will Campbell if he eventually moves to guard. Second-round pick Gabe Jacas, a complete edge rusher with powerful physical traits, could also make an immediate impact for a New England pass-rush unit that needed fresh blood. You have to wonder how the Mike Vrabel controversy will impact the team, though.

8. Chicago Bears

Previous: 8

The Bears keep their momentum rolling in the draft after a postseason that made the Chicago faithful believe the sky is the limit. Pairing first-rounder Dillon Thieneman with free-agent signee Coby Bryant at safety will cause havoc. Center Logan Jones gives the Bears insurance if Garrett Bradbury fizzles out. Ben Johnson also has a new wideout in Zavion Thomas, a gadget player from LSU with electric 4.28 speed. It's exciting to think about what Johnson might draw up for the speedster.

9. San Francisco 49ers

Previous: 5

San Francisco traded out of the first round and eventually used its first pick on receiver De'Zhaun Stribling in Round 2. Although the value is questionable, Stribling could be a good fit for the Niners. For the fourth time in the past five drafts, the 49ers selected a running back between Rounds 3-5 as they try to get Christian McCaffrey more help. Hopefully, Kaelon Black can be that guy for Kyle Shanahan.

10. Baltimore Ravens

Previous: 12

Ravens fans should be excited about the team's first draft class in the post-John Harbaugh era. Baltimore needed to reinforce its interior offensive line, and first-round guard Olaivavega Ioane looks to be the right guy for the job. Second-rounder Zion Young should have an immediate impact as a run defender and could develop into a capable pass-rusher. Finally, adding receivers was also a must, and Ja'Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt check that box.

11. Green Bay Packers

Previous: 11

The Packers really focused on their needs, with second-round cornerback Brandon Cisse likely slotting into the starting lineup immediately. Green Bay didn't have a first-round pick, having sent it to the Cowboys in the Micah Parsons trade. The Packers took Florida kicker Trey Smack in the sixth round after ranking in the bottom 10 for field-goal and extra-point percentage in 2025.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Previous: 16

The backbone of Dallas' defense instantly got stronger by adding safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 and then swinging a trade with the 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters, who's coming off a 101-tackle campaign. Moving up to get Downs, widely considered one of the draft's top overall prospects, should pay immediate dividends. The Cowboys tried to fix their issues at edge rusher, double-dipping with Malachi Lawrence in Round 1 and Jaishawn Barham in Round 3. After surrendering the most points in the NFL last year, the Cowboys injected a boatload of talent into a unit that desperately needed more pop.

13. Houston Texans

Previous: 13

Remember how great the Texans' defense was last year? Well, that unit just got even better by drafting defensive tackle Kayden McDonald from Ohio State. McDonald is an immovable object in the run game and beefs up an already intimidating defense. The attitude the Texans carry on defense is spreading to their offensive line. First-round pick Keylan Rutledge should give Houston a tone-setter up front.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars

Previous: 9

The Jaguars' universally panned draft class was seemingly full of reaches and bad positional choices. Jacksonville didn't have a Round 1 selection after trading up for Travis Hunter last year, yet its first pick in 2026 was ... a tight end? Nate Boerkircher landed with the team at No. 56 as the third TE off the board. Maybe the Jaguars will find value with some of their picks, but on paper, this draft's impact on their roster is limited.

15. Detroit Lions

Previous: 10

The Lions needed to take an offensive tackle and edge rusher early in the NFL draft, but were Blake Miller (17th overall) and Derrick Moore (44th) really the best options at those positions? Detroit, which has been retooling its trenches this offseason, probably could've done more with its first picks this year. This team has work to do before we can talk about another deep playoff run.

16. Cincinnati Bengals

Previous: 18

Cincinnati's draft essentially began early when the club traded the No. 10 overall pick for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The three-time Pro Bowler comes with questions (he turns 29 in November and had only 0.5 sacks in 2025), but he's probably already the Bengals' best defender. Second-round edge rusher Cashius Howell potentially fills another hole on that side.

17. Los Angeles Chargers

Previous: 15

We weren't big fans of Akheem Mesidor as the Chargers' top pick. He's a strong pass rusher, but he turned 25 in April and is susceptible to the run. At least Los Angeles found a projected starter in interior offensive lineman Jake Slaughter and gave offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel extra speed in the form of Brenen Thompson, the fastest receiver at the NFL combine.

18. Minnesota Vikings

Previous: 17

Minnesota prioritized defense in the draft, notably revamping its line. First-rounder Caleb Banks and third-rounder Domonique Orange could be great fits in Brian Flores' defense, as could second-round linebacker Jake Golday. Trading Jonathan Greenard hurts the pass rush, though. Between that and the question marks surrounding the offense, it's hard to get a read on this team.

19. New York Giants

Previous: 20

The Giants picked four times in the top 100, including twice in the top 10, and they nailed it. New York went with the best prospect available in pass-rusher Arvell Reese at No. 5 and then focused on upgrading Jaxson Dart's offensive supporting cast. The versatile Francis Mauigoa, who can play tackle or guard, and wideout Malachi Fields should help immediately. The Giants' John Harbaugh era is off to a promising start.

20. Indianapolis Colts

Previous: 19

Even without a first-round pick due to the Sauce Gardner trade, the Colts managed to come out of the draft with two potential new starters. Linebacker CJ Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy can replace Zaire Franklin and Nick Cross, respectively. If those rookies and Gardner live up to the hype in 2026, Indianapolis could field a strong defensive unit.

21. Tennessee Titans

Previous: 22

The Titans pressed all the right buttons in the draft. Carnell Tate gives Cam Ward the kind of large, high-end receiver that he lacked in his rookie year. It's easy to imagine them becoming a formidable duo for years to come. Head coach Robert Saleh also got two new defensive pieces to work with in edge rusher Keldric Faulk and linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. Other than Jeffery Simmons, no Titans player notched more than five sacks last year. Faulk, under Saleh's tutelage, could fix that. Hill also provides some athleticism in the middle of the defense.

22. Washington Commanders

Previous: 21

There was a huge gap between the Commanders' first two picks (Nos. 7 and 71), but they were able to combine need, best talent available, and value. Washington landed inside linebacker Sonny Styles in Round 1 and later added much-needed help at wide receiver in the form of the overlooked Antonio Williams in the third round.

23. Carolina Panthers

Previous: 23

The Panthers' selections may not have stolen headlines, but Monroe Freeling - an incredibly athletic tackle - should become a cornerstone of a line that has questions at OT. Taylor Moton turns 32 this year, Ikem Ekwonu is dealing with a major knee injury, and Rasheed Walker is only signed to a one-year deal. Carolina also used a third-round pick on receiver Chris Brazzell II, who has enough speed and size to stretch the field for Bryce Young.

24. New Orleans Saints

Previous: 24

Saints fans must be excited about their new receiving duo of Chris Olave and eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson. New Orleans also picked promising third-round tight end Oscar Delp and collected two more wideouts on Day 3 to potentially add value and depth. That's the type of support second-year quarterback Tyler Shough needs. Defensively, adding second-round lineman Christen Miller makes a ton of sense, but it doesn't solve the team's pass-rush issues at the edge. Maybe a change of scenery will revive Tyree Wilson's career; the Saints traded for the Raiders' former top-10 pick Saturday.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Previous: 25

Nobody on the Buccaneers registered more than seven sacks last season. Enter Rueben Bain Jr. The Miami pass-rusher fell into the Bucs' lap at No. 15 and instantly provides more juice on the edge than anyone else on the roster. Tampa Bay's other major question marks this offseason were how to address the losses of Mike Evans and Lavonte David. The franchise attacked that quite nicely as well, drafting linebacker Josiah Trotter and 6-foot-4 wide receiver Ted Hurst on Day 2. It's been a period of transition for the Buccaneers, but the front office stockpiled as much talent as possible this weekend.

26. Las Vegas Raiders

Previous: 27

After making the Fernando Mendoza selection official, the Raiders mostly focused on their secondary, using a second-round pick on Treydan Stukes and a Round 4 selection on cornerback Jermod McCoy, who could be a major steal if his knee issues are resolved. The main thing missing from Las Vegas' class is a standout wide receiver, as the club waited until Round 6 to throw a dart (Malik Benson).

27. Cleveland Browns

Previous: 29

Few teams acquired as much value while addressing needs as the Browns, who emerged as one of the biggest winners of the weekend. Cleveland used first-round picks on offensive tackle Spencer Fano and receiver KC Concepcion before taking wideout Denzel Boston and safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren in Round 2. Boston and McNeil-Warren were repeatedly listed as potential first-rounders before the event. If only this team had a proven quarterback.

28. Atlanta Falcons

Previous: 28

It's pretty cool that Avieon Terrell will get to play with his brother A.J. Terrell in Atlanta's secondary. Know what's even neater? The second-round pick is a damn good football player, too. The Falcons didn't have a first-round pick after trading it in last year's draft, but they made the most of their opportunities. After Terrell, the team added Zachariah Branch. He should see the field plenty as a rookie, serving as an effective pass-catching option for whoever is playing quarterback. Not only did Atlanta get two young pieces at positions that needed depth, they also could have a formidable brotherly tandem at cornerback and a proper WR2 behind Drake London.

29. Pittsburgh Steelers

Previous: 26

The Steelers beefed up their offensive line with first-rounder Max Iheanachor and third-rounder Gennings Dunker, but we all know receiver Makai Lemon was the guy they wanted with their top pick. Pittsburgh still doesn't have an answer at quarterback either. Drew Allar is a body but probably not the long-term solution, and they drafted him despite Mike McCarthy's rave reviews of Will Howard. The Steelers are praying Aaron Rodgers bails them out for another year.

30. New York Jets

Previous: 30

The Jets had three first-round picks and put together a very complete class. They might have left the draft with this year's top prospects at edge rusher (David Bailey) and tight end (Kenyon Sadiq). New York also got a pair of Indiana standouts in receiver Omar Cooper Jr. and cornerback D'Angelo Ponds to fill glaring needs. And the team even landed developmental quarterback Cade Klubnik in Round 4. The Jets have a long way to go, but they deserve credit for their 2026 draft haul.

31. Arizona Cardinals

Previous: 31

While the Cardinals' roster got sexier on paper, it's hard to say if they made the right decisions for their future. Jeremiyah Love will be a great football player, but the franchise passed up an opportunity to grab a high-end talent at a premium position with the No. 3 pick. That's without even considering that Arizona's running back depth chart already featured Tyler Allgeier and James Conner. Carson Beck is also at risk of becoming a wasted pick as the Cardinals position themselves to draft a top quarterback next year.

32. Miami Dolphins

Previous: 32

Miami put together an interesting class featuring six top-100 draftees, but the team would need every single one of them to hit for this rebuilding squad to be competitive in 2026. The Dolphins' top three picks - offensive lineman Kadyn Proctor, corner Chris Johnson, and linebacker Jacob Rodriguez - should compete for starting roles right away.