NFL Team Needs: Lions, Vikings, Panthers, Packers (2026)

This is the danger zone of the draft.

Picks 17 through 20 typically belong to teams that hovered around the playoff picture — competitive enough to matter, flawed enough to be exposed. And in 2026, that description fits this group perfectly.

The Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and Green Bay Packers (whose selection now belongs to the Dallas Cowboys following the Micah Parsons trade) all enter draft weekend with real expectations — but also very real roster pressure points.

These aren’t teardown teams. They’re close.

But “close” in the NFL can mean very different things. For some, it’s about fixing a defense that couldn’t get off the field in January. For others, it’s about offensive consistency, depth in the trenches, or long-term answers at premium positions.

This range is often where teams must decide: double down on a strength or patch a weakness?

With veteran contracts maturing, cap flexibility tightening, and playoff windows narrowing, these selections carry more urgency than rebuilding picks at the top of the board. Miss here, and you stay stuck in the middle. Hit, and you’re hosting a playoff game next January.

In this batch, we break down:

• The biggest roster holes for each franchise
• Contract situations and future cap implications
• Which positions should be prioritized for veterans and rookies
• Potential fantasy football implications

These teams are close enough to contend — but not complete enough to coast.

Up next: the Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, Carolina Panthers, and the Dallas Cowboys (via Green Bay’s selection).

Salary cap contract information provided by Spotrac.

• Fantasy Football Research & Advice
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• NFL Team Needs: Raiders, Jets, Cardinals, Titans (2026)
• NFL Team Needs: Giants, Browns, Commanders, Saints (2026)
• NFL Team Needs: Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys (2026)
• NFL Team Needs: Falcons, Ravens, Buccaneers, Colts (2026)

Pick 17: Detroit Lions

2026 Free Agents:

• QB: Kyle Allen
• WR: Kalif Raymond, Tom Kennedy (RFA)
• TE: Anthony Firkser, Shane Zylstra
• OL: G Kayode Awosika, G Trystan Colon-Castillo, RT Jamarco Jones
• EDGE: Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Tyrus Wheat (RFA)
• DL: D.J. Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez
• LB: Alex Anzalone, Grant Stuard, Zach Cunningham, Ezekiel Turner, Trevor Nowaske (RFA), Malcolm Rodriguez
• CB: Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox, Jalen Mills, Arthur Maulet, Rock Ya-Sin, Dicaprio Bootle
• S: Daniel Thomas
• ST: Jake Bates (ERFA)

2027 Free Agents:

• RB: Jahmyr Gibbs (CLUB), Jacob Saylors (ERFA), Jabari Small (ERFA)
• WR: Malik Cunningham (ERFA), Jackson Meeks (ERFA)
• TE: Brock Wright, Sam LaPorta, Zach Horton (ERFA), Thomas Gordon (ERFA)
• OL: C Graham Glasgow, RT Colby Sorsdal, RT Devin Cochran (ERFA), OT Mason Miller (ERFA), C Seth McLaughlin (ERFA)
• EDGE: Ahmed Hassanein (ERFA)
• DL: Tyler Lacy, Chris Smith (RFA)
• LB: Jack Campbell (CLUB)
• CB: Khalil Dorsey, Nick Whiteside (ERFA)
• S: Brian Branch, Loren Strickland (RFA), Thomas Harper (RFA)
• ST: Jack Fox, Hogan Hatten (RFA)

Team Needs: C, OT, EDGE, LB, DT, CB

Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement before the start of last season caused a ripple effect that negatively impacted the blocking upfront. The Lions were in such a bad spot that they tried to get him to come back out of retirement, but he suffered a hamstring injury that eliminated any chance of return.

OT Taylor Decker dealt with injuries as the season progressed (also mulling retirement). 34-year-old IOL Graham Glasgow is a potential cut candidate in the final year of his deal. Guard Christian Mahogany also got hurt in 2025. Dan Skipper retired (joined the team as an OL coach).

RB David Montgomery also remains a potential salary cap cut candidate. Holmes was non-committal on his return to the team in 2026, as they look to get on the positive side of the salary cap.

Drew Petzing is stepping in as the offensive coordinator after serving in that role for the last three seasons in Arizona. Petzing’s addition is a clear nod to getting back an effective rushing attack that wasn’t as effective in 2025 for Detroit.

Jahmyr Gibbs will remain the focal point, but another RB filling Monty’s void is a real possibility if the team moves on. James Conner and Jerome Ford could be some cheaper replacement options for ‘Knuckles.’ The Lions could also select a bigger back in this year’s draft.

Defensively, the team has been gutted by injuries in the last two seasons. More CB depth is a must with Amik Robertson/Arthur Malet/Rock Ya-Sin potentially gone as free agents.

Another pass rusher opposite Aidan Hutchinson is also a big need. Al-Quadin Muhammad‘s 12 sacks are hitting the open market. Another DT also makes some sense with three guys from last year all hitting FA.

Pick 18: Minnesota Vikings

2026 Free Agents:

• QB: Carson Wentz, Brett Rypien, John Wolford
• RB: Ty Chandler
• WR: Jalen Nailor, Zavier Scott (ERFA)
• TE: Ben Sims (RFA)
• OL: LT Justin Skule, RT Matt Nelson
• EDGE: Bo Richter (ERFA)
• DL: Jalen Redmond (ERFA)
• LB: Eric Wilson, Ivan Pace (RFA)
• CB: Jeff Okudah, Fabian Moreau
• S: Tavierre Thomas
• ST: Ryan Wright, Andrew DePaola

2027 Free Agents:

• RB: Aaron Jones, Jordan Mason
• WR: Jordan Addison (CLUB), Joaquin Davis (ERFA), Dontae Fleming (ERFA), Jeshaun Jones (ERFA)
• TE: Bryson Nesbit (ERFA)
• OL: OT Brian O’Neill, C Ryan Kelly, G Blake Brandel, G Henry Byrd (ERFA), OT Caleb Etienne (ERFA), G Vershon Lee (ERFA)
• EDGE: Andrew Van Ginkel
• DL: Javon Hargrave, Taki Taimani (RFA), Jaylon Hutchings (ERFA)
• LB: Blake Cashman, Josh Ross (RFA)
• CB: Isaiah Rodgers, Theo Jackson, Dwight McGlothern (RFA), Zemaiah Vaughn (ERFA)
• S: Kahlef Hailassie, Jay Ward

Team Needs: QB, RB, OL, EDGE, CB, LB, S, TE

J.J. McCarthy was a glorified rookie QB in 2025 after missing his true rookie year due to injury.

He has started just 10 games in his first two years in the NFL. And missed time due to more injuries, as he did in Year 1, which definitely hindered his growth potential.

Needless to say, the 2025 results put Minnesota in a tough place at QB. They have ensure of a better backup QB plan in 2026. Because McCarthy is in danger of losing his job, even at 23 years old.

After last year’s bumpy ride, Minnesota has to add another piece to the QB room. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has discussed creating a more competitive QB room next year because this team can’t let another Max Brosmer situation play out. Or watch McCarthy fail and waste any effort by the Brian Flores-led defense.

Simply put: The general manager who drafted McCarthy No. 10 in 2024 has been fired, and the coach who was in full agreement with that decision is now under considerably more scrutiny. Whoever they decide to bring in as the new GM would play a big role in this new QB addition.

Potential Options: Mac Jones, Kyler Murray, Kirk Cousins, Tua Tagovailoa (Frank Smith was the former Dolphins OC and is now the Vikings assistant HC), Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, and Jimmy Garoppolo.

At the time of this writing, the GM role remains vacant with no plans to fill the role until after the NFL Draft. Rob Brzezinski is filling the GM role through the draft. He’s the current executive vice president of football operations while also serving as the interim GM. Been with the Vikings organisation since 1999.

Given the current hierarchy, it would appear that KOC has the most prominent voice in the building, especially regarding the team’s next QB.

RB and TE are skill positions that need to be addressed with both Aaron Jones and T.J. Hockenson on the potential salary cap chopping block. Jones owns the 3rd-highest RB cap hit ($15 m) this year. He is also a 31-year-old RB who battled injuries last season.

If Jones is cut…RB becomes a top need with nobody left under contract in 2027.

A big part of why the Vikings struggled offensively in 2025 was the offensive line. It was gutted by injuries. OT Christian Darrisaw only played 10 games. Starting center Ryan Kelly only played eight games (and might be another cut candidate). The starting unit should be back next season, which bodes well if they can benefit from greater injury luck.

However, OT Brian O’Neill and Kelly will both be FAs at the end of the year.

Defensively, Brian Flores is going to push for an edge rusher in Round 1 – not necessarily a cornerback (Tony Pauline). Both are needed with the defensive interior in good shape.

#Vikings DC Brian Flores will “push” for a pass rusher with the 18th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if a top-rated prospect falls into their laps, people at the Senior Bowl told @TonyPauline.

“Even though the Vikings’ defense fielded one of the better pass rushes in the league last… pic.twitter.com/guZQX8BWpS

— VikingzFanPage (@vikingzfanpage) January 30, 2026

Linebacker needs to be addressed, with the top two guys from last season in need of new deals. Same goes for CB – just need more bodies.

And as it is every year…Harrison Smith will eventually need to be replaced at safety. He just turned 37 years old.

Pick 19: Carolina Panthers

2026 Free Agents:

• RB: Rico Dowdle
• WR: Hunter Renfrow, David Moore, Jalen Coker (ERFA), Bryce Tremayne (ERFA)
• TE: James Mitchell (RFA)
• OL: OT Yosh Nijman, C Cade Mays, C Austin Corbett, G Brady Christensen, RT Jake Curhan
• EDGE: D.J. Wonnum, Trevis Gipson, Thomas Incoom (RFA)
• DL: LaBryan Ray (RFA)
• LB: Christian Rozeboom, Isaiah Simmons, Krys Barnes, Claudin Cherelus (RFA)
• CB: Robert Rochell, Damarri Mathis, Akayleb Evans
• S: Nick Scott, D’Anthony Bell
• ST: Sam Martin

2027 Free Agents:

• QB: Bryce Young (CLUB), Andy Dalton
• RB: Anthony Tyus III (ERFA), Montrell Johnson (ERFA)
• WR: Dan Chisena, Ainias Smith (ERFA), Ja’seem Reed (ERFA)
• TE: Tommy Tremble, Bryce Pierre (ERFA)
• OL: OT Ikem Ekwonu, G Saahdiq Charles, G Chandler Zavala, G Ja’Tyre Carter (RFA), C Nick Samac (RFA), G Joshua Gray (ERFA)
• EDGE: Patrick Jones, Maema Njongmeta (RFA), Jamil Muhammad (ERFA)
• DL: A’Shawn Robinson, Popo Aumavae (RFA), Jared Harrison-Hunte (ERFA)
• LB: Jacoby Windmon (ERFA), Jared Bartlett (ERFA), Mapalo Mwansa (ERFA)
• CB: Michael Jackson, Tyrek Funderburk (ERFA), Michael Reid (ERFA)
• S: Demani Richardson (RFA)
• ST: J.J. Jansen

Team Needs: EDGE, C, LB, DT, TE, WR, S

The Panthers had the second-worst pressure rate generated in 2025 (31st in PFF pass rush grade).

Pass rush, please. Because the Panthers’ secondary was low-key solid in 2025. Good group of starting CBs and safeties.

More DTs are always a must. The Panthers’ run defense still hasn’t been able to fully hold opposing RBs, even with DT Derrick Brown playing at a high level. A’Shawn Robinson will be a free agent at the end of the year (also rumored to be a cut candidate, according to the Athletic). LB Christian Rozeboom is also an impending free agent. Linebacker Trevin Wallace was a third-rounder in last year’s class, but he went on IR with a shoulder injury.

Onto offense.

Rico Dowdle is a free agent. Dowdle said his decreased carries at the end of the season will impact his thinking in free agency. Claims he wants to go somewhere where he can get the bulk of the carries. Saints? Jets? Broncos?

Only time will tell. In the meantime… could 2026 be Jonathon Brooks‘ comeback szn?

We’ve already seen Chuba Hubbard lose his job once. Panthers HC Dave Canales already said he will have a chance to compete for the starting job. Both Canales and GM Dan Morgan have praised Brooks (s/o @Coachspeakindex).

#Panthers HC Dave Canales on Jonathon Brooks ???? pic.twitter.com/J5Ho1ln5KU

— The Coachspeak Index (@CoachspeakIndex) January 14, 2026

Brooks is only 22 years old. Adds a pass-catching threat/element that’s missing from this running back room.

As for QB, Bryce Young will be under center with the team picking up his 5th-year option.

Across the offensive line, they need to address center with Cade Mays/Austin Corbett, each hitting the open market.

I don’t think WR is a major need, assuming they get Jalen Coker signed as an exclusive rights free agent.

Don’t rule out a potential Mike Evans-Canales reunion either. A lot of former Bucs coaches are on the Panthers staff.

Ja’Tavion Sanders hardly seems the answer at tight end for the Panthers two years into his career. They have a bunch of guys, so I could see them adding a veteran like Noah Fant (previously played with Panthers TE coach in Seattle).

Also worth mentioning that Darrell Bevell is the new assistant HC in Carolina. Spent the last four years in Miami (QBs coach and pass game coordinator). If somebody would suggest taking a flier on any former Dolphins – Tua Tagovailoa or Tyreek Hill – it very well could be Carolina.

Pick 20: Green Bay Packers

Team Needs: OL, C, DT, CB, LB, EDGE

Tucker Kraft ranked as the TE1 through 8 weeks (14 PPG). TE2 in PPG. Lead all TEs in YAC/reception. Kraft was a ‘my guy’ the last two seasons, and all he did was deliver before he tore his ACL. But I wouldn’t completely write off the 25-year-old freak athlete after the season-ending injury. Recall that Packers WR Christian Watson came back in 2025 after a very late ACL injury. He received an All-Pro vote. With no complications in Kraft’s surgery, a 2026 Week 1 return isn’t out of the question based on the 10-month recovery timeline.

So with Luke Musgrave still under contract, I think GB stays pat at tight end.

Jordan Love is really efficient. He finished second in the NFL in 2025 in EPA/dropback.

But GB’s commitment to the run (4th-highest rush rate, 8th-lowest pass rate over expectation) hurt his fantasy appeal. Losing his No. 1 playmaker last year with Kraft also hurt his fantasy numbers (17.8 PPG, QB14). If GB leans more into their franchise QB/pass game with a strong supporting cast in 2026, we could very much see Love post an MVP-statistical season with strong passing TD rates. One game with Christian Watson and Tucker Kraft last season…the Packers QB tossed for 360 yards and 3 TDs.

But it won’t be the same cast of characters. WR Romeo Doubs is easily gone in free agency (why they drafted Matthew Golden last year).

Then there’s the curious case of…. Is Josh Jacobs a cut candidate? Probably very unlikely even after a bit of a down year.

Packers were 9th in rushing success rate, but 21st in EPA/rush last year.

That's down from 9th in EPA/rush in 2024.

Packers have been very good with Josh Jacobs getting 4-6 yards. They need more explosive runs.

— Peter Bukowski (@Peter_Bukowski) February 9, 2026

Weeks 1-10: Jacobs was the fantasy RB5 in PPG (18.1) with 11 rushing TDs. Then he suffered a knee injury in Week 11. Once he returned in Week 13, he was clearly not himself. RB23 in PPG (10.5). 12 PPG (RB21) from Week 7 onward after hurting his calf.

Ended the season as RB11 in PPG (14.3). The Packers RB fell just shy of 1,000 rushing yards despite 254 carries, taking a step back in his second season with Green Bay. If healthy, Jacobs has a top-5 fantasy ceiling. But as the 28-year-old continues to pile up volume and small injuries, fantasy managers should be wary of the production tapering off.

However, with MarShawn Lloyd unable to stay healthy, a capable Jacobs should remain the focal point of the Packers’ rushing attack. But with how Emanuel Wilson showed out at times…it’s possible Jacobs’ reps get pulled back in 2026. Again, he battled through a myriad of injuries (calf, knee) just to play even when he was clearly not anywhere close to 100% (if that).

I do think GB will add to this backfield at some point this offseason (to add more explosiveness). How much they shell out for Wilson as an RFA will also tell of how they view him (and Lloyd entering Year 3).

Christian Watson returned to the lineup in Week 8 after tearing his ACL late in the 2024 season. Despite coming off a brutal injury, Watson was electric. He supplanted Doubs as the WR1 in the Packers’ offense, and I presume that’s how it shakes out in 2026. Watson was the WR17 in PPG (11.5) to go with a 34% air yard share (over 1,000 air yards). Hit career highs in yards and yards per route run. Never saw fewer than four targets in any contest. Watson led the NFL with 294 deep receiving yards after coming back from his injury.

The Packers will have to decide what they want to do with Watson and Jayden Reed in the long term; both wideouts are in contract years.

Green Bay’s offensive line dealt with several injuries in 2025. They were particularly poor when RT Zach Tom missed time to end the season. And two of their tackles from last season are free agents (Rasheed Walker started at LT for 17 games). Possibly the team kicks Jordan Morgan outside from guard to tackle.

C/OG Elgton Jenkins is also in the last year of his deal and is coming off a lower-leg fracture with ligament damage. He will be 30 in December.

Defensively, the Packers also got nuked by injuries. Edge Micah Parsons, CB Nate Hobbs, and DT Devonte Wyatt all ended 2025 on IR. Now they are expected to return in 2026, but the level of effectiveness remains to be seen.

Losing Wyatt took a toll on the defensive interior, and he is also in the last year of his rookie deal. Per PFF, Green Bay’s defensive tackles ranked 31st in PFF run-defense grade (30.6), contributing to the fourth-most rushing yards allowed between the tackles in the NFL.

The pass rush is going to need help to start the year, with Parsons likely far from 100% when he returns. The team also needs to figure out an upgrade plan for Rashan Gary if they decide to move on.

Matt Schneidman says he would be surprised if Gary is on the team next season. Also a strong advocate for them to go CB on Day 2 of the draft.

Questions covered in this pre-combine Packers mailbag⬇️

Will the Packers use Matthew Golden more?

Any chance they sign Tyler Linderbaum?

What are the realistic chances of Rashan Gary leaving?

And plenty more right here: https://t.co/u0MEKQAn8F

— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) February 17, 2026

CB Keisean Nixon is in the last year of his deal, along with Carrington Valentine. So, more CB depth would be advised. Also, it’s fair to acknowledge the Packers’ cornerbacks as one of their defense’s big weaknesses before the injuries derailed the front seven. Definitely an area they won’t forego looking for upgraded personnel.

Jonathan Gannon was hired as the team’s new DC after he got fired as the Cardinals’ HC. He has obvious ties to his old team and the Eagles, so any of their defensive free agents could easily find their way to Wisconsin.

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