Team needs have become clearer as the free-agency frenzy winds down
Mar 13, 2026 at 12:57 pm ET • 3 min read
There is a lot of strategy that goes into the NFL Draft. Most mock drafts only cover the first round, but there are several considerations when making that initial selection.
For example, if a team has multiple needs it hopes to address over the course of the three-day event and is deciding between a few players at different positions in the first round, it may weigh the talent expected to be available at each position on Day 2. Day 3 would be almost exclusively best player available, when it becomes more difficult to identify contributors. The goal is to find the best possible combination of players.
In today's thought exercise, we explore some of those positions of need a few days into free agency and how teams may choose to address them in the 2026 NFL Draft.
As a reminder, four teams are without a first-round pick: the Jaguars, Falcons, Colts and Packers.
Without further ado, let's kick this off!
The 2026 NFL Draft will take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. You can find more draft coverage at CBSSports.com, including weekly mock drafts and regular evaluations of the top prospects.
- It's worth noting there's usually a lot of interest in trading for the No. 33 overall pick. After teams reflect on how Thursday night played out and reset their boards, they may lock in on a specific player who's still available and look to trade up.
- After moving on from Kyler Murray, the Cardinals don't have a clear plan at quarterback. They make the most sense among the teams that may be interested in Ty Simpson.
- Tennessee has a lot of bodies at receiver, but it'll eventually move on from Calvin Ridley. Once that occurs, Denzel Boston, Wan'Dale Robinson and Elic Ayomanor would form a quality trio.
- The Steelers traded for Michael Pittman Jr. and gave him an extension, but Calvin Austin III signed with the Giants in free agency after failing to become a consistent option in Pittsburgh. Hence the Zachariah Branch selection.
- Louisville's Chris Bell has as much potential as any receiver taken at this stage of the draft, but he's coming off an injury. Las Vegas can afford to be patient.
- The plan wasn't for the Seahawks to take two edge rushers, but Joshua Josephs is such a great fit for Seattle to replace Boye Mafe. Akheem Mesidor would be the eventual replacement for DeMarcus Lawrence, but the team once again has a wave of pass rushers at its disposal.
- The run on slot cornerbacks happened later than anticipated, but teams got good value in the third round.
- Baker Mayfield turns 31 in April. He's also coming off an injury and entering the final year of his contract. Having insurance in the form of Garrett Nussmeier could serve both short- and long-term goals.
- There's been discussion about the Vikings potentially trading edge rusher Jonathan Greenard, so the addition of Jaishawn Barham becomes more necessary.
- Los Angeles has made it clear it's not going to use premium draft assets on the quarterback position as long as Matthew Stafford remains the starter. The Rams may prefer to have a veteran in that role anyway, but they're expected to be in the market for a backup quarterback.
