NFL Teams Gear Up for 2026 Draft to Address Key Needs

Why it matters locally: The Kansas City Chiefs are heading into the 2026 draft with two first round selections to address offensive needs after missing the playoffs. The team acquired running back Kenneth Walker via free agency to bolster their offense, which ranked 20th in points per game last season.

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Several NFL teams are heading into the 2026 NFL Draft with significant needs to fill following free agency. The Baltimore Ravens, after finishing 10th in points per game (24.9) and 27th in passing yards per game (175.6), lost key players like center Tyler Linderbaum. Baltimore signed Trey Hendrickson to bolster their pass rush after recording only 30 sacks last season. The Buffalo Bills, who ranked third in the league with 28.3 points per game, fired their head coach after a divisional-round playoff loss. To bolster their receiving corps, the Bills acquired D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears. Buffalo's defense allowed 247.9 passing yards per game. They have seven draft selections coming up. The Kansas City Chiefs missed the playoffs after quarterback Patrick Mahomes' ACL tear. The Chiefs offense ranked 20th in points per game (21.3). Kansas City added running back Kenneth Walker via free agency and will have two first round selections. Las Vegas, after finishing last season 3-14, hired Klint Kubiak as head coach and acquired Tyler Linderbaum to improve their offensive line. The Raiders' offense ranked last in the league in both points per game (14.2) and yards per game (247.0); their quarterbacks were sacked a league-high 55 times. The Raiders have the number one overall pick. The New York Jets also finished last season with a 3-14 record after ranking 29th in points per game (17.6) and 32nd in passing yards per game (140.3). The team acquired edge Josephy Ossai and other defensive free agents. The Jets' quarterbacks were sacked a combined 60 times.