The NFL Draft is about building for the future, but sometimes the future is now. Some teams really can change their short-term outlook with a few smart picks at the right positions, especially in the early rounds.
So which teams succeeded and which ones failed in putting the final pieces together for their 2026 puzzle? And how did that affect the overall outlook of the league?
Here are my post-draft Power Rankings, which set the stage for the 2026 season as the offseason comes to a close.
Super Bowl odds: +40000
Some believe RB Jeremiyah Love will be the best player out of this draft, but how much is he really going to help a team with so many issues â particularly along the offensive line? The Cardinals are still the favorite to get the first pick of the 2027 draft.
Super Bowl odds: +30000
Their two first-round picks were good (OT Kadyn Proctor at 12, CB Chris Johnson at 27) and will help, but they need to get QB Malik Willis some playmakers. Texas Tech WR Caleb Douglas was way too much of a reach in the third to fill the departed Jaylen Waddles shoes.
Super Bowl odds: +15000
Let the offensive rebuild begin with a much-needed tackle (Spencer Fano at No. 9) and two talented receivers (KC Concepcion at No. 24 and Denzel Boston in Round 2). So, whoever their QB is will have help. Oh, and competition, since Cleveland took yet another QB â Arkansas’ Taylen Green in Round 6. Thats three in two drafts!
Super Bowl odds: +15000
They had a terrific draft, especially on the first two days, and may have gotten a steal on Day 4 with Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy. And obviously they got their franchise QB in Fernando Mendoza. Their future is brighter, but theres still a long way to go.
Super Bowl odds: +20000
They had a great draft, too, adding three starters in the first round (edge David Bailey, TE Kenyon Sadiq, WR Omar Cooper) and their nickleback in Round 2 (DAngelo Ponds). QB Geno Smith has plenty of weapons now, but hes still a liability thats going to hold this team down.
Super Bowl odds: +9000
They desperately needed a WR to help Chris Olave, and they found one at No. 8 in Arizona States explosive WR Jordyn Tyson. That could be huge for QB Tyler Shough and Kellen Moores offense. The Saints’ defense still needs work, but second-round DT Christen Miller will help against the run.
Super Bowl odds: +12000
They pulled the first surprise of the draft, taking WR Carnell Tate at No. 4, and now QB Cam Ward has several dangerous weapons. Robert Saleh added another edge rusher in the first (Keldric Faulk) and a linebacker in the second (Anthony Hill). This team is a lot more talented than it was.
Super Bowl odds: +6000
No first-round pick, but they got two defensive starters in LB C.J. Allen and safety A.J. Haulcy on Day 2. Both should be solid players, but might not have a huge impact. The Colts couldve really used a receiver to replace Michael Pittman, whom they traded away.
Super Bowl odds: +5000
This draft wouldve looked better if the Eagles hadnt stolen Makai Lemon from them in the first round. Guard Max Iheanachor, the consolation prize, might be a bit of a project, and second-round WR Germie Bernard was a bit of a reach. Taking QB Drew Allar in the third round was a headline pick, but hes no help to the Steelers this year.
Super Bowl odds: +6500
Dan Quinn fell in love with Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, and thats great. But what this team needed most was offensive playmakers. They got Clemson WR Antonio Williams in the third, but they needed more, plus more help on the offensive line.
Super Bowl odds: +5000
The fall of edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. to No. 15 could be great for Todd Bowles, and second-round LB Josaiah Trotter and fourth-round CB Keionte Scott will help a defense that needs it, too. And Georgia State WR Ted Hurst (6-3, 207) could eventu
