So i looked over whose actually here in 2026, who we got this year, who i think will be useful. Also we need to remember we won't have a ton of cap space next year. So we probably need to solve a lot of this through draft/UDFAs
WR - While I'd like to draft a WR... compared to other spots not a huge need. We have a lot of guys on contract next year and we could run the same core again. Could it be improved? Sure. And should be... but while this is a need.... Is it a 'must use a high pick next year?'. No. If a guy falls, sure. If not maybe pass on it. Priority: MID
TE - For likely guys here we have Hunter in his last year and getting older.... And Dupree will probably stick as the #2 on his cheap deal. We need a TE of the future. This should be a bit of a priority. Though they can put it off if they need to. Priority: MID HIGH.
OL - In general they should look to improve the OL. Hopefully guys stick out and we can redo Onwenu's contract. Even though.... They should try to use at least 1 more high pick here... maybe future RT or G. Campbell/Onwenu/Wilson and Moses all return. Moses is the old vet so that is an option.. but they have him the year after too. If they get a workable solution at guard in 2025 just pick anything besides center. If they need to part with Onwenu though picking a great guard suddenly becomes probably #1. In either case they will need to add 1 person here, most likely to the interior. Worse case scenario is Campbell moves inside and Onwenu is cut. Suddenly LT is a need again. Then not only is it a high priority, it is the automatic first pick. Priority MID HIGH
RB - They already used a high pick on their RB of the future. Gibson/Stevenson are back and Larson hopefully becomes a nice cheap option. Maybe if someone walks or they need a spot take a shot in the 4th at the most. Also Lampe probably sticks at FB so should be set there. Priority: LOW
QB - Priority: LOW. Nuff said.
DT - Milton Barmore Farmer(hope he works out) and Pharms (If he's kept) are the guys still under contract who are notable. Our hope is Farmer gives us that elite top 3 rotation. They will need a big body here but that should be easy to get without too high a pick and cheap if they want to get it in FA. So while they need another guy here it is the easiest and cheapest kind to get and they are in okay shape looks like. Priority: LOW MID
EDGE - Landry, Swinson (I think he will earn this spot), White, Jennings (Maybe if he sticks) Ponder(If he turns out good). Outside of what i think will be the top 3 there are a few 'what ifs' here. Maybe Ponder comes on as a very competent back up but I have some concerns here. Not a ton but some. This could look good come 2026 pre draft with a proven 5 deep rotation or need some help if White and Ponder don't work out. I'll split the difference. Priority: MID LOW
LB - Elliss, Spillane, Tavai (if they keep him) - So they have 2 guys they like and will keep. After that is is questionable. But with the top 2 starting spots locked this need isn't dire, just important. They need a guy but not in the top rounds automatically. But while Spillane is here in 2027 Elliss is not. Tavai is if they keep him, but he may not even stick. So while they have their starters for 2026 they should look at this spot in that draft with an eye toward 2027. Priority: MID HIGH
CB - Gonzo, Davis - Yeah... that's pretty much it. They will need to sign AND draft someone. If FA turns south and they can't get a decent option here this becomes the biggest need. Will be big anyway. But since they big need here will be a nickle guy, that is a day 2 draft spot typically. Priority: HIGH
S - Dugger Peppers Woodson Mapu(if he sticks and if you even count him here). Schooler makes it too but for STs. Needless to say this spot is light if Epps and Hawkins both walk. Plus with Dugger's contract this could go south BADLY. But while a need, they could be happy with the top 3 here. Priority: MID HIGH
So to sum up.... Getting a Great DB of some kind in the draft will be needed. Even if we successful extend gonzo in his final year the Davis contract on year 3 may need looking into if his play drops; hopefully not. LB be worth a big look too. The front of the D should be okay as well as the edge,. but if a guy falls it is of course an option, though more likely a spot to jump on in round 3 or 4 than 1 or 2.
RB and QB can be pretty much ignored. Maybe look into it day 3 if something interesting comes up. TE isn't 100% needed but you'd hate to wait till the final year to try to get one. Better to be a year early on it but they can pass 1 more year if they feel value isn't there. OL. Need to keep drafting high here. RT or G most likely. But doesn't need to be in the top 2 rounds either unless LT is an issue. WR is something we need again sooner rather than later cause Diggs isn't a long term option but only if value is there.
Need order IMO CB > LB > S > OL >>> TE > WR > EDGE > DT >>> RB > QB
