NFL Team Needs: Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Jaguars (2026)

NFL Team Needs: Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Jaguars (2026)

Now we’re firmly in playoff territory.

Picks 21 through 24 belong to teams that either made a brief appearance in January or believe they’re one move away from doing so. The Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars (whose selection has been traded to the Cleveland Browns) all enter draft weekend with legitimate aspirations — but also identifiable areas that could derail those ambitions.

This isn’t about overhauling a roster.

It’s about refinement.

For some, that means adding a final defensive piece to survive elite quarterbacks in the postseason. For others, it’s about protecting a franchise passer, strengthening depth in the trenches, or preparing for looming contract extensions that could reshape the roster in 2027 and beyond.

The pressure here is different from that at the top of the board. These teams can’t afford developmental luxury picks. They need contributors. Snap-eaters. Playoff-caliber depth.

And because Jacksonville’s pick now belongs to Cleveland, the ripple effects extend beyond one franchise. A win-now team selecting here changes how the back half of Round 1 unfolds.

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 are the teams that believe they’re close — and in this part of the draft, the right selection can be the difference between another early exit and a deep postseason run.

Up next: the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars (pick traded to Cleveland).

Salary cap contract information provided by Spotrac.

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Pick 21: Pittsburgh Steelers

2026 Free Agents:

2027 Free Agents:

Team Needs: QB, WR, OG, OT, S, CB, DT, LB, RB

Mike McCarthy is in as the new HC of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Part of his new staff includes the former Commanders DC as assistant HC, Brian Angelichio as the new OC (from the Vikings), and Patrick Graham as the new defensive coordinator (former Raiders DC).

They also hired the former Bills and Indiana WR coach Adam Henry.

Omar Cooper Jr. to the Steelers as a nice ring to it…

Pittsburgh also has the former Falcons’ pass-game specialist on their staff.

Kenneth Gainwell might be paid next year by either Pittsburgh or another team. The dual-threat RB is not even 27 years old, and he THRIVED as both a rusher/receiver in 2025.

He was fifth in rushing success rate, RB20 in fantasy PPG, and averaged more PPG than both Seahawks RBs and Broncos’ rookie RB, RJ Harvey.

Gainwell totaled 73 catches for 486 yards on 85 targets with eight TDs. Over 1,000 yards from scrimmage. 16% target share (top 5).

As a former member of the Kenny G RB1 fan club from his Memphis and Eagles days, I was loving what I saw from Gainwell this past season. Could see him reuniting with several former Eagles coaches, such as Kellen Moore, if he departs in free agency.

Also means that Pittsburgh might need to replace him if they cannot bring him back (although Omar Khan wants to).

Jaylen Warren remains a super-efficient RB, but he’s not a traditional bell cow.

Kaleb Johnson was a total zero as a rookie, so it remains to be seen how the new coaching staff will view last year’s third-round pick. At least he seems to be in the current GM’s corner.

Johnson is hardly the first rookie RB with decent draft capital to implode as a rookie just to build his value in Year 2. Think Tank Bigsby, Blake Corum, etc.

Because there is fantasy juice to squeeze in an Aaron Rodgers‘ RB backfield with how often he throws to RBs. The Steelers’ offense produced two top-20 RBs in 2025 (16 and 20).

I think Aaron Jones makes a ton of sense if he is released by the Vikings and signs with Pittsburgh.

And yes, I am very much under the impression that A-Rod will be back for at least one more year, with Will Howard being the young QB behind him on the depth chart, they want to develop. However, it doesn’t mean he is the QB1 of the future.

Other than finding a long-term QB, WR is definitely the biggest need. The team has nobody behind DK Metcalf. They were shopping for WRs at last year’s trade deadline, and will likely be very proactive in that market again in 2026 – both in the draft and NFL Free Agency.

Omar Khan is a fan of Roman Wilson, but he still might not be the answer the Steelers need as their No. 2 WR.

The new OC coming also further emphasizes the need for multiple WRs, given Arthur Smith’s offense heavily deploys multiple TE sets.

Tight end Jonnu Smith is expected to be released and/or to see a sizeable reduced role.

On the offensive line, starting LG Isaac Seumalo is a free agent. His two backups are also FAs. Spencer Anderson is a depth guard they could start, but he is an FA in 2027.

OT Broderick Jones‘ injury complicates things on the offensive line, given the complexity of the injury. OT Dylan Cook did show some promise in limited time last season. In five starts, Cook graded out as PFF’s 21st-ranked tackle.

On defense, they need to fill holes at CB and safety based on their free agent crop.

CBs Joey Porter Jr. and Brandin Echols are entering contract years.

The Steelers’ secondary was shredded at times last season (4th-most passing yards allowed per game). Also, third in total missed tackles (yes, you, linebacker Patrick Queen).

And obviously, filling the potential void by DT Cameron Heyward always needs to be at the back of the Steelers’ mind. Heyward is in the last year of his deal at age 37. Keeanu Benton is also an impending FA in 2027.

LB Nick Herbig is expected to re-sign a long-term deal.

Pick 22: Los Angeles Chargers

2026 Free Agents:

2027 Free Agents:

Team Needs: OL, EDGE, S, CB

There are a lot of guys we’d like to bring back, and Keenan Allen is on that list is not exactly what you want to hear from the Chargers GM, Joe Hortiz (also loves Allen). To bring back an aging veteran WR way past his prime, who takes targets away from the younger skill players on the Chargers. Nonetheless, it’s something fantasy managers need to at least consider.

Because the primary focus of the Bolts’ offseason has to be on the offensive line. Doesn’t take a genius to figure that out. We all saw this offense crater without the top two tackles, among other OL issues.

Justin Herbert was constantly running for his life. The big-armed QB finished the 2025 season as the QB10 in PPG, mostly on the back of his rushing production (6th in rushing yards per game at 31.1). Career highs in rushing yards and carries. But the losses on the offensive line crushed his ceiling, along with his own injuries. With a healthier OL in 2026, Herbert can flirt with elite fantasy QB status. Five games with Joe Alt in 2025: Hebert averaged nearly 24 PPG (23.9). In the 12 games without Alt? 16.2 PPG.

Both Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are expected to return at full health in 2026.

But patching the OL is still not complete. OG Mekhi Becton is no guarantee to return after he struggled in 2025. OG Zion Johnson is a free agent. Center Bradley Bozeman just retired. Offensive tackle Trey Pipkins….please no.

Protection for Herbert is the No. 1 need for this offense.

The offensive weapons already seem pretty good/set (presuming they re-sign guys like Vidal), but the GM said at the NFL Combine they would attack the offensive line, defense, backs/tight ends, wide out, etc. The more players surrounding Herbert, the better.

I’d guess they also bring in another tight end who is used more traditionally, with Oronde Gadsden profiling as that true “mismatch” receiving threat (H-tight end).

Gasden could very much be Mike McDaniel’s new Darren Waller (who had some success last year in Miami after coming out of retirement).

The Bolts’ new offensive coordinator said in his introductory presser that making life easier for Herbert is the goal. QB’s best friend? An effective run game.

Omarion Hampton finished his rookie season as RB16 in PPG in 9 games played, but he suffered from a tough situation. As noted, the Chargers were gutted by injuries on their offensive line and to their starting QB. The rookie RB dealt with own injuries as well.

But Hampton flashed enough upside to be worth buying into as a fantasy RB1 behind a healthy OL in 2026.

He played four games with a 79% plus snap share, averaging 17.5 PPG. The former UNC product received bell-cow level usage, averaging 17.3 touches per game (tied for top-12 at the position). Also played four games with five or more catches (7th in receptions per game at 3.6). PFF ranked him as the 8th-best graded rusher, finishing 11th in yards after contact per attempt (3.34).

Defensively, the DL needs some love. Key FAs across the board, specifically at pass rush: Khalil Mack, Odafe Oweh, and Da’Shawn Hand.

DT Teair Tart signed an extension this offseason, which suggests the DL additions will more likely come in the form of edge rushers.

Starting safety Tony Jefferson is also a free agent, with Derwin James entering the last year of his contract. CB Donte Jackson will also be a free agent at the end of the season.

Chris O’Leary is the new defensive coordinator for the Chargers. Spent 2025 with Western Michigan.

Keep tabs on EDGE rusher Nadame Tucker, who played for the Western Michigan Broncos and coach O’Leary in 2025.

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Pick 23: Philadelphia Eagles

2026 Free Agents:

2027 Free Agents:

Team Needs: OT, OG, WR, TE, EDGE, CB, S

Another year gone by, and yet another year with Philly owning a brand-new offensive coordinator for Jalen Hurts.

Sean Mannion is the guy for 2026. He was a GB coach and assistant for the Packers over the last 2 seasons. Promoted to quarterbacks coach the following year after Tom Clements retired.

Last played in 2023. He will be 34 years old in April.

The overarching plan is to install a McVay/Shanahan-type offense. More under-center plays, for example. Run game marrying the play-action game. Full read by Dave Zangaro.

The Eagles also brought in former Buccaneers OC, Josh Grizzard, as the new pass game coordinator. Also coached in Miami since 2017.

If A.J. Brown is traded, there are a couple of notable veteran WRs with coaching connections that could land in Philly, such as Romeo Doubs, Mike Evans, or Tyreek Hill.

Will this revamped offensive coaching staff be able to get this uber-talented Eagles offense back on track? I am skeptical. If Mannion commits to the scheme and Hurts isn’t a great fit…what happens then?

The Eagles QB hasn’t been nearly as productive over the last two years as he was at the elite levels he reached in the past. QB8 in back-to-back seasons. QB7 in PPG (19.1) under 20 PPG in 2025. His rushing was also way down (career lows across the board) last season.

With a QB6 ECR, I will not be drafting Hurts in fantasy football for 2026 with the Eagles’ current offensive outlook.

Philadelphia’s offensive line’s regression has not helped.

Offensive tackle Lane Johnson is getting older (almost 36), although he continues to plan on playing into his 14th season. OG Landon Dickerson was mulling retirement, but has decided to come back for the 2026 season.

Center Cam Jurgens has been seeking and receiving stem cell treatment to deal with his several injuries.

OT Fred Johnson is a free agent (started nine games at RT last season).

As our fearless leader and resident Eagles homer put so eloquently in my review of this team needs….LT Jordan Mailata is the only starting OL who is a lock to even be on the team in 2027.

However, the Eagles’ longtime OL coach, Jeff Stoutland, will not be returning. The new OL coach is Chris Kuper. He has been with the Minnesota Vikings since 2022.

Tight end Dallas Goedert is a free agent (along with two of their backup TEs). He was an absolute TD machine in the red zone in 2025 (for the first time ever, he saw such heavy usage inside the opponent’s 20-yard line).

Philly values tight ends that can add value as run blockers. More likely he returns than a certain diva wide receiver…

A.J. Brown is as good as gone in Philly. It’s just a matter of time before the Eagles get the right trade offer.

And that is noteworthy not just for his own fantasy outlook, but for the outlook of the teammates he is leaving behind.

DeVonta Smith has shown a fantasy WR1 ceiling when his teammates have missed time the last few seasons. Most recently, in Week 8 of the 2025 season, Smith went 6-84 yards on nine targets with AJB out of the lineup.

He is an objectively good, if not great, wide receiver…and his numbers do not truly reflect his talent profile. He was more efficient than Brown was in 2025, while posting his third 1,000-yard season. More importantly, the Slim Reaper averaged career-high marks in yards per route run (3.1) and yards per target (11.9) when aligned out wide. Only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (3.8) and Puka Nacua (3.6) have averaged more yards per route run when aligned out wide among 89 wide receivers to have logged at least 150 such routes.

Nick Sirianni thinks that Smith hasn’t even hit his ceiling.

The Eagles’ defense was still fantastic in 2025. But they do have some areas that need some fine-tuning ahead of the 2026 season.

Free agent safety and team captain Reed Blankenship logged over 1,000 snaps last season. They drafted safety Andrew Mukuba in the second round last season, but he ended last year on IR.

They basically have all their same EDGE rushers as last season, except Jaelan Phillips is hitting FA. They traded for him last year before the deadline. Veteran Brandon Graham is always welcome back, but how effective he can be as a 38-year-old-old situational pass rusher remains in question. Can’t rely on him too heavily to have a massive on-field impact.

Another CB to replace/upgrade Adoree Jackson would also be advised. They still have Michael Carter II in the slot after they traded for him last season. But with Cooper DeJean also being a great slot defensive back, Carter’s fit in this 2026 defense will be one to watch (if he isn’t cut based on the bloated contract that he signed with the Jets). He won’t be back on his current deal.

The Eagles view DeJean as an “elite” asset as the nickelback, which means they need another perimeter CB opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

Pick 24: Jacksonville Jaguars

2026 Free Agents:

2027 Free Agents:

Team Needs: RB, CB, LB, EDGE, WR, S

The Jaguars don’t have a first-round pick this year because of the Travis Hunter trade. All the offseason news has suggested that Jacksonville plans on using him as a full-time cornerback and part-time WR in 2026.

Hunter will be more deployed at CB than at WR based on the team’s current needs at the position (CBs Greg Newsome II, Montaric Brown, and Christian Braswell are all on expiring contracts). Recall that the 2025 Jaguars offense took OFF without Hunter in the second half of the season.

Given that Dyami Brown was a major free agent flop and Brian Thomas Jr. might get traded (lack of chemistry with Trevor Lawrence, despite the regime backing that he won’t be traded), the Jags might be in the market for another wide receiver. Parker Washington will be playing in a contract year after a breakout 2025 campaign.

But RB is definitely a bigger area they need to address. Travis Etienne is a free agent in 2026. They did draft two RBs in last year’s draft, likely knowing they could lose ETN on the open market.

The Jaguars RB coach is Chad Morton, who was in Chicago in 2024. Ties to D’Andre Swift. Liam Coen and many of his coaches also came from Tampa Bay, so Rachaad White could be an addition to this backfield.

But outside Etienne, the Jags don’t have many marquee FAs this offseason. Every other offensive starter is returning in some capacity from last season. The offensive line remains fully intact for 2026.

Defensively, as noted, CB needs help. Hence, the Hunter transition.

Safety Andrew Wingard and LB Devin Lloyd are both FAs, but the Jaguars have some in-house options at those positions if they move on. Still, Lloyd is coming off a career-year with 5 interceptions.

Wingard seems more replaceable with Antonio Johnson (2027 FA) and Eric Murray as capable free safety options.

On the defensive line, the Jaguars’ run defense was No. 1 in the NFL in 2025. Clearly, there’s not much need to bolster the defensive interior. Two of their top interior defenders will be FAs in 2027.

I’d probably label EDGE slightly over DT (pass rush from either the interior or outside). Arik Armstead is in the last year of his deal and will be 33 this year.

According to PFF, Jacksonville’s defensive interior ranked second-lowest in pass-rush productivity (6.1) across the NFL, with Armstead producing the lowest PFF pass-rush grade of his career (63.1).

The Jags were 27th in sacks in 2025.

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Andrew Erickson

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Andrew Erickson is a fantasy football analyst at FantasyPros. LFG.