The 2026 NFL Draft logo. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
By Michael Grant on

The 2026 NFL Draft is almost here. Here are five teams under the most pressure:

5. Miami Dolphins

First-round draft picks: No. 11 and No. 30 overall

General manager: Jon-Eric Sullivan

Yes, Jon-Eric Sullivan just arrived as Miami cleaned house in the offseason. It’s important to remember that Stephen Ross, who turns 86 next month, is the league’s second-oldest owner. He hasn’t seen a playoff win since becoming the franchise’s majority owner in 2009. The Dolphins haven’t had a postseason victory since December 2000. After cutting overpaid quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and purging highly paid wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the team needs to find playmakers for recently signed quarterback Malik Willis.

4. Cleveland Browns

First-round draft picks: No. 6 and No. 24 overall

General manager: Andrew Berry

The Browns fired Kevin Stefanski but retained general manager Andrew Berry. Notably, Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, immediately landed a job with the Atlanta Falcons. That says a lot about ownership. You could argue that Andrew Berry has played a bigger role in Cleveland’s failures. The Browns need impact players, especially on offense: quarterback, offensive line, and wide receiver. Since this is a lousy quarterback draft, they will likely roll with Shedeur Sanders for the full season. If Berry can find some weapons for new coach Todd Monken, he might stick around a little longer.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

First-round draft picks: No. 9 and No. 29 overall

General manager: Brett Veach

When you have Patrick Mahomes, you expect to be a contender every season. This year might be different. With Mahomes coming off the first serious injury of his career, he’ll need more immediate support than ever. The Chiefs have many needs and must improve their offensive line, secondary, defensive line, and wide receiver corps. Regardless of which needs they address, they have to get two starters in the draft. Xavier Worthy (No. 28 overall in 2024) scored one touchdown last year. Felix Anudike-Uzomah (No. 31 overall in 2023) has three total sacks in his career.

2. New York Giants

First-round draft picks: No. 5 overall and No. 10 overall

General manager: Joe Schoen

The Giants have a new head coach in John Harbaugh, but the general manager remains the same. Joe Schoen has been in charge of personnel since 2022 and has delivered mixed results. Malik Nabers (No. 6 overall in 2024), assuming he returns to health from a knee injury, appears poised to become a future star wide receiver. However, Evan Neal (No. 7 overall in 2022) has been a bust at offensive tackle. Schoen is in the final year of his contract, so he needs to either impress the Giants or his next employer, especially after the blockbuster trade with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire the No. 10 pick for Dexter Lawrence.

1. New York Jets

First-round draft picks: No. 2 and No. 16 overall

General manager: Darren Mougey

No one expects the Jets to solve all their problems quickly. This draft is really about 2027. New York needs to assemble a roster that can support their quarterback of the future. Current starter Geno Smith is a one-year rental. The Jets will presumably draft a quarterback with one of their three 2027 first-round picks. As for this draft, the focus will likely be on replenishing a defense that gave up the second-most points in the league (29.6 per game). A pass rusher and a cornerback are necessities.

About Michael Grant

Born in Jamaica. Grew up in New York City. Lives in Louisville, Ky. Sports writer. Not related to Ulysses S. Grant.

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