Draft Strategies for Teams Missing First-Round Picks in 2026

Draft Strategies for Teams Missing First-Round Picks in 2026

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, six teams find themselves without a first-round pick: the Jacksonville Jaguars, Atlanta Falcons, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, and the newly added Cincinnati Bengals. While these teams may lack the excitement of a first-round selection, they still have opportunities to bolster their rosters on Day 2. Cincinnati Bengals Pick 42 (Round 2), 71 (Round 3) Top need: Linebacker The Bengals struggled in 2025 with their linebacker duo, contributing to their need for a playmaker in coverage. Top targets: - CJ Allen (Georgia) - Jake Golday (Cincinnati) - Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech) - Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State) Indianapolis Colts Pick 47 (Round 2), 78 (Round 3) Top need: Linebacker With the loss of Zaire Franklin, the Colts seek depth to enhance their aggressive defensive strategy. Top targets: - Josiah Trotter (Missouri) - Jake Golday (Cincinnati) - Kyle Louis (Pitt) - Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State) Atlanta Falcons Pick 48 (Round 2), 79 (Round 3) Top need: EDGE The Falcons must prepare for the potential departure of James Pearce Jr. and seek to strengthen their pass rush. Top targets: - R Mason Thomas (Oklahoma) - Jaishawn Barham (Michigan) - Derrick Moore (Michigan) - Romello Height (Texas Tech) Green Bay Packers Pick 52 (Round 2), 84 (Round 3) Top need: Defensive tackle The Packers need to solidify their defensive line after trading for Micah Parsons. Top targets: - Domonique Orange (Iowa State) - Lee Hunter (Texas Tech) - Christen Miller (Georgia) Jacksonville Jaguars Pick 56 (Round 2), 81, 88, 100 (Round 3) Top need: Safety The Jaguars look to enhance their safety position to improve ball production. Top targets: - Treydan Stukes (Arizona) - Genesis Smith (Arizona) - AJ Haulcy (LSU) - Bud Clark (TCU) Denver Broncos Pick 62 (Round 2) Top need: Running back With JK Dobbins recovering from injury, the Broncos need a reliable option to bolster their run game. Top targets: - Jadarian Price (Notre Dame) - Jonah Coleman (Washington) - Mike Washington Jr (Arkansas) These selections highlight the potential for each team to address critical needs and reshape their rosters heading into the 2026 season.

Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-22