N※N

Projecting early NFC North team needs for the 2026 NFL Draft | Sporting News

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -needs-for-the-2026-nfl-draft-sporting-news.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 17:15 GMT by Sporting News
          ^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

2025-10-28 299 x 168 / 11264 Bytes

2025-10-28 300 x 168 / 10409 Bytes

2025-10-28 299 x 168 / 16149 Bytes

2025-10-28 300 x 168 / 13723 Bytes

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas has finished 2025 with a record that leaves the Cowboys in the upper tier of the NFC, but the team is still looking to cement its roster on both sides of the ball. The Cowboys are projected to need a pass‑rushing lineman, a defensive tackle, and a running back in the early rounds. The club’s front office has already expressed interest in adding a young defensive end to complement the likes of Jadeveon Clowney and Nick Bosa. For the running game, Dallas is eyeing a back who can handle a hybrid role in short‑yardage situations. On offense, the Cowboys’ offensive line has been criticized for inconsistent interior protection, making a tackle or guard a likely priority.

Philadelphia Eagles

Philadelphia is in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having moved to the new Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are expected to draft a center, a defensive tackle, and a tight end in 2026. The team’s offensive line has been identified as a weakness after a lackluster 2025 campaign. The center spot, in particular, has drawn a lot of attention due to the departure of veteran Matt Skura. On defense, Philadelphia will be looking for a dominant interior lineman to anchor the front line. Tight end needs come from the fact that the Eagles are still missing a high‑impact player at the position, especially given the trade of Dallas’ former starting tight end Zach Ertz.

Washington Commanders

Washington is in the process of redefining its identity in the NFC East after a turbulent 2025. The Commanders’ projected early draft needs are a defensive lineman, a running back, and a wide receiver. Washington’s defense has struggled to contain the run, especially in the third and fourth quarters. A pass‑rushing defensive tackle could shift the balance of their defensive front. Offensively, Washington is in need of a versatile running back that can stretch the field and catch passes out of the backfield. The wide receiver need reflects the Commanders’ desire to add a playmaker to the backfield, as the team’s pass game has not been as productive as its rushing attack.

New York Giants

The Giants are currently one of the lowest‑ranked teams in the NFC East but are on the cusp of a breakout. Their projected needs for 2026 focus on a cornerback, a defensive lineman, and an offensive guard. The Giants have a porous secondary that has allowed high‑average yards per game on passing plays. Bringing in a cornerback with ball‑hunting instincts is deemed essential. On the line of scrimmage, the Giants are looking for a defensive lineman that can set the edge and disrupt the quarterback. The offensive guard position has also been flagged as a priority, especially after a lack of consistent interior blocking during the 2025 season.

Projected Draft Positions

The projection for the early draft positions of the four teams is heavily influenced by their 2025 performance and the possible impact of free agency. Dallas and Philadelphia are expected to finish higher in the division, so they may be awarded better picks, while Washington and New York are projected to fall lower, giving them a chance to select higher‑tier prospects early in the draft. The front offices of the Cowboys and Eagles have reportedly already engaged in discussions about trade packages that could elevate their draft positions if they decide to move a key player.

Key Player Options

Several notable prospects could fill the needs identified above. A top-tier defensive tackle prospect, such as Caleb Farley from Auburn, could be a strong fit for the Cowboys’ defensive line. A versatile running back like Kenneth Walker III from the University of Washington would address the needs of both Dallas and Washington. On the offensive line, a tackle from the University of Oklahoma could be a potential pick for Philadelphia, while a guard from the University of Texas would help the Giants. In the secondary, a cornerback from Alabama, who boasts elite ball‑hunting skills, could be the type of player the Giants are searching for.

Looking Ahead

The 2026 NFL Draft offers a critical opportunity for all four NFC East teams to solidify their rosters. Each team’s projected needs reflect not only their on‑field deficiencies but also the larger narrative of the division—whether it is a pursuit of playoff contention, a rebuild, or a combination of both. As the draft board continues to fill, NFL front offices will weigh their options carefully, balancing immediate impact players with long‑term potential.

Ultimately, the early draft selections will have a lasting influence on the competitive balance of the NFC East. By addressing their core needs—whether on the line of scrimmage, in the secondary, or at the skill‑position level—each franchise has the chance to shape its destiny for the coming decade.