Reshuffling the Conference: 2026 NFL Draft Needs Across the NFC

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As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine unfolds in Indianapolis, the NFC is a conference in transition. While the Seattle Seahawks sit atop the mountain as Super Bowl LX champions, historical giants like the Cowboys and Eagles are licking their wounds after disappointing 2025 campaigns. From quarterback quandaries in the desert to defensive retooling in the Windy City, here are the primary draft needs for every NFC team.

NFC East: The Defensive Reset

The division took a massive step back in 2025, largely due to porous defenses and injury-riddled rosters.

Dallas Cowboys: After the shocking trade of Micah Parsons last year, the defense collapsed to 32nd in EPA allowed. With two first-round picks (including the Packers’ selection), Dallas must find an elite edge rusher like Rueben Bain Jr. and help at cornerback following the release of Trevon Diggs.
New York Giants (Pick 5): The Giants are at a crossroads. While Jaxson Dart showed promise, the offensive line remains a revolving door. They must decide between an elite protector or a blue-chip weapon like Carnell Tate (Ohio State) to replace the departing Wan’Dale Robinson.
Philadelphia Eagles: Expect another “trench-heavy” draft. The Eagles need an infusion of youth at Edge and Safety, while the drama surrounding A.J. Brown could force their hand at wide receiver early.
Washington Commanders (Pick 7): Dan Quinn’s defense was a sieve in 2025. Caleb Downs (Ohio State) is the “dream” target here—a game-changing safety who can captain a secondary that ranked in the bottom five last season.

NFC North: Strengthening the Surge

Chicago Bears (Pick 25): The reigning North champions are “reloading.” After a stellar year from Caleb Williams, GM Ryan Poles is pivoting to the defense. The primary needs are Interior DL (to replace free agent Andrew Billings) and Edge speed.
Detroit Lions: The offensive line, once the league’s gold standard, is aging. With Taylor Decker contemplating retirement and Graham Glasgow struggling, the Lions are expected to target a versatile tackle/guard like Francis Maugoa.
Green Bay Packers: It’s all about protecting the investment. The Packers’ offensive line regressed in 2025; they need high-ceiling blockers to ensure their offense remains “Packer-proof.”
Minnesota Vikings: The J.J. McCarthy era is on thin ice. Injuries and inconsistent play have left the Vikings desperate for a veteran bridge or another swing at a developmental QB. Defensively, Cornerback remains a “dire” need.

NFC West: The Quarterback Question

Arizona Cardinals (Pick 3): The Kyler Murray era is likely over. New HC Mike LaFleur needs “his guy.” If they don’t trade for a veteran, they are prime candidates to take the second QB off the board after Mendoza.
Los Angeles Rams: They own the Falcons’ first-round pick (#13) thanks to the James Pearce Jr. trade. The Rams’ biggest priorities are Offensive Tackle to protect aging Matthew Stafford and Cornerback depth.
San Francisco 49ers: The roster is still elite but getting expensive. With Brandon Aiyuk likely on his way out and George Kittle recovering from an Achilles tear, Kyle Shanahan will be hunting for Pass Catchers and Secondary insurance.
Seattle Seahawks: The Champs have very few holes, but a complementary WR to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and interior defensive line depth are the luxuries they can afford with their late first-rounder.

NFC South: A Division for the Taking

Atlanta Falcons: They are in “desperation mode” with no first-round pick and minimal cap space. They need WR and Secondary help but will have to wait until pick No. 48 to start the repair.
Carolina Panthers: Bryce Young finally turned the corner in 2025. Now, they must protect him. Offensive Line (specifically center and tackle depth) is the #1 priority, followed by an Edge rusher to help a unit that ranked 28th in sacks.
New Orleans Saints (Pick 8): After Derek Carr’s retirement, the Saints are rebuilding around Tyler Shough. They need Edge pressure and a Speed WR to replace the traded Rashid Shaheed.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs missed the playoffs for the first time in the post-Brady era. Their defense was “Swiss cheese” in 2025; expect them to target Linebacker and Cornerback heavily.