2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - AFC North

SNS takes a deep dive look into how every NFL team reloaded during the 2026 NFL Draft - every draft pick is evaluated and each UDFA class is assessed. Every NFL team is graded on how they addressed team needs and an early assessment is made about what to expect in the coming season. And for those who play fantasy football, consider this your first primer on the 2026 NFL rookie fantasy class as each rookie class is assessed and future stars are identified! The 2026 NFL Franchise Post-Draft Review is here to help you make sense of what every NFL team was trying to accomplish in Pittsburgh last month.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (14)

Olaivavega Ioane

OG

Penn State

Ioane may be the best OL in this draft with both a high ceiling / potential and a high floor where he is very unikely to be a bust. Ioane is athletic and strong and buries people in the ground game. The Ravens addressed a major need with an elite talent.

2 (45)

Zion Young

EDGE

Missouri

Young was announced as a LB when he was selected but what he does best is hold down the edge and shut down the outside run. Young flashes as a power rusher and looks like a future starter.

3 (80)

Ja'Kobi Lane 

WR

USC

Lane is one of the most talented acrobatic WRs in the nation with a huge catch radius and outstanding body control. Lane creates little separation in his routes and almost all of his catches are contested but he is good for a few highlight reel catches this coming season in Baltimore.

4 (115)

Elijah Sarratt

WR

Indiana

The Ravens seem committed to rolling out a fleet of tall and long WRs like Sarratt (6024 / 210 lbs  / 31 & 1/4" Arms). Sarratt is a premiere weapon near the end zone and excels on back shoulder throws.

4 (133)

Matthew Hibner

TE

SMU

The Ravens are reloading their TE corps this spring after letting Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar walk in free agency. Hibner is a well-rounded TE who offers a competitive blocker and a reliable target over the middle of the field.

5 (162)

Chandler Rivers

CB

Duke

Rivers is a highly experienced CB who has played both outside and inside but is likely to be limited to the slot due to a lack of size and length (5094 / 185 lbs / 29 & 3/8" Arms). Rivers is smooth, fluid, agile, and has the speed (4.40 40) to carry speedy WRs downfield. Rivers should immediately contribute with starting potential down the line in Baltimore.

5 (173)

Josh Cuevas

TE

Alabama

Ater adding TE Matthew Hibner in the fourth-round, the Ravens continue their rebuild of the TE position by adding the Crimson Tide TE. Cuevas (6033 / 252 lbs / 31 & 1/4" Arms) is a well-rounded TE who can line up as a Y-TE and hold up as a blocker or line up as an H-back or in the slot and take advantage of match-ups against LBs in coverage. Cuevas will contribute immediately in Baltimore.

5 (174)

Adam Randall

RB

Clemson

The Ravens use their second of back-to-back picks on Randall, a large RB (6025 / 232 lbs / 32 & 3/8" Arms) who converted to RB this past season at Clemson. Randall is still raw and his running instincts need continued development but he runs with great forward lean and has outstanding contact balance that should make him an effective short yardage runner. Randall lacks much of a burst and mainly gains yards through power and effort but should pair with Derrick Henry to give the Ravens the biggest set of RBs in the NFL.

6 (211)

Ryan Eckley

P

Michigan State

The first specialist off the board is the Michigan State All-American punter who established a new Big Ten career punting average of 47.6 yards per punt. Eckley is drafted by the Ravens and will compete with second-year punter Luke Elzinga for Baltimore's punting job this summer.

7 (250)

Rayshaun Benny

IDL

Michigan

SNS graded Benny as an early day three pick but he surprisingly fell to the last ten picks of the draft and the Ravens swoop in and pick up a potential contributor. Benny (6030 / 298 lbs / 33 & 3/8" Arms) is very strong and can collapse inside run lanes effectively. Possesses a powerful bull rush but lacks a great closing burst on the QB in the pocket – one speed pass rusher. Benny should contribute immediately as a two-gapping IDL who eats up blocks that allow his teammates to flourish. Excellent pick by the Ravens.

7 (253)

Evan Beerntsen

OG

Northwestern

The Ravens use their final selection on the big, strong, and sturdy Wildcats IOL. Beerntsen (6034 / 301 lbs / 32 & 1/8" Arms) is a fundamentally solid technician who plays with the bend and balance desired in an IOL. Beerntsen plays with a nasty disposition. Lacks some desired ability to anchor and is susceptible to a strong bull rush. Lacks upper body strength which results in him falling off some blocks. Beerntsen provides much needed depth on the Ravens OL and will likely start his career on the practice squad.

UDFA Signings

Joe Fagnano

QB

UCONN

Diego Pavia

QB

Vanderbilt

Dontae McMillan

RB

Eastern Michigan

Elijah Tau-Tolliver

RB

Michigan State

Cortez Braham

WR

Memphis

Octavion Smith

WR

Maryland

Ty Pezza

TE

Brown

Trevonte Sylvester

OT

Louisville

Diego Pounds

OT

Ole Miss

Nick Dawkins

OC

Penn State

Ethan Burke

EDGE

Texas

Aaron Graves

IDL

Iowa

Dion Wilson

IDL

Syracuse

Dominic DeLuca

LB

Penn State

Reid Wilford

LB

Charlotte

Matthew McDoom

CB

Cincinnati

Jahquez Robinson

S

Auburn

Silas Walters

S

Miami, Oh

Ladarius Webb

S

Wake Forest

Draft Needs - IOL, IDL, WR, CB, TE

Draft & UDFA Grade - A-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Ravens enter the NFL draft every April with a clear plan to execute and that is a major reason why the Ravens are playoff contenders every season. And the 2026 NFL Draft is another example of how the Ravens win the draft annually. Ioane was arguably the best OL available in this draft and was an excellent pick at number 14. Young is one of the best run stuffing EDGEs available this year but is not an overly creative pass rusher. Lane and Sarratt are two similar WRs - big, strong, and physical but neither WR creates much separation and almost all of their catches are contested. Both WRs are especially useful near the end zone. Hibner and Cuevas profile as immediate contributors who will play in multiple TE sets as rookies. Rivers should contribute immediately in the slot and improve the depth on defense. Randall is powerful but lacks desired burst for running inside in the NFL. Eckley was the best punting prospect in this draft and looks likely to be the team's punter this season. Benny and Beernsten provide needed depth along the defensive and offensive lines this fall.

The Ravens signed nearly two dozen UDFAs and a few of these prospects have good opportunities to earn a 53-man roster or practice squad spot this summer. Fagnano and Pavia are both likely to make the team, but only one will make the 53-man roster, leaving the loser on the practice squad. McMillan and Tau-Tolliver are competing for a potential practice squad spot. McMillan has flashed as a runner and is an interesting prospect to watch over the summer. Similarly, Braham and Smith are fighting for an opportunity on special teams to continue their careers. Pounds and Dawkins are two experienced and physical OL who will fight for roster spots. Pounds surprisingly went undrafted and is a great pickup by the Ravens. Burke and Graves seem like Raven DL with the size, strength, and length desired up front. McDoom has flashed at times as a slot CB and will need to excel on special teams to make the practice squad.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Keep your expectations in check regarding Baltimore's rookie class' fantasy potential this season and none of these prospects should factor into your draft planning. Monitor Lane, Sarratt, Hibner, and Cuevas early in the season - one or two of them could prove to be good streaming options when bye weeks arrive this fall.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

2 (41)

Cashius Howell

EDGE

Texas A&M

After drafting the enigmatic Shemar Stewart in the first-round last season, the Bengals add a proven pass rusher in Howell who fell out of the first-round because of short arms. Howell's quickness and burst are as good as anyone in this draft.

4 (128)

Connor Lew

OC

Auburn

The Bengals draft Lew, who missed the last half of last season with a knee injury, and may miss part of this upcoming season. Lew is a future starter with the balance, agility, and intelligence to be a long-term starter for the Bengals.

4 (140)

Colbie Young

WR

Georgia

Young has a great combination of size and length (6046 / 218 lbs / 31 & 7/8" Arms) that is desired on the outside. Young has very good deep speed and he flashes great playmaking ability. Arrested in October 2024 for battery and assault on an unborn baby and suspended for the final eight games of the 2024 season. Young then missed significant time with injuries last season. Combination of health and character makes him a high risk / high reward selection.

6 (189)

Brian Parker

IOL

Duke

A former OT for the Blue Devils, Parker is likely to shift inside to center due to lacking desired arm length (32 & 7/8" Arms). Parker is an excellent athlete who plays with leverage, possesses a wide base, and displays good balance. Parker is a technician who lacks some desired core strength and he plays with a nasty disposition. Parker is a likely starter at center within the next couple of seasons.

7 (221)

Jack Endries

TE

Texas

Endries grades out as a mid-round pick but falls to the top of the seventh-round and  a great opportunity to contribute as a rookie in Cincy. Cincinnati's offense is loaded but the weakest skill position spot is TE and Endries has the size (6050 / 245 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) and athletic ability (4.62 40 / 36" Vertical / 9'11" Broad) to become the team's number one Y-TE before the end of his rookie season.

7 (226)

Landon Robinson

IDL

Navy

If Robinson were three inches taller and 20 pounds heavier, he'd be a first-round pick - his film is that good. Robinson (5112 / 291 lbs / 31 & 5/8" Arms) handles both run and pass rushing duties well and uncorks an impressive burst to win at the snap. Robinson plays with outstanding leverage, which negates some of his strength deficiencies, and his motor and effort are outstanding. Excellent seventh-round selection by the Bengals.

UDFA Signings

Jamal Haynes

RB

Georgia Tech

Noah Thomas

WR

Georgia 

Josh Kattus

TE

Kentucky

Corey Robinson

OT

Arkansas

Jack Dingle

LB

Cincinnati

Eric Gentry

LB

USC

Ceyair Wright

CB

Nebraska

Isaiah Nwokobia

S

SMU

Draft Needs - EDGE, S, OT, IOL, IDL

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

After seeing Trey Hendrickson bolt for the Ravens in free agency, and trading away the tenth pick in the draft to the Giants for IDL Dexter Lawrence, the Bengals did not select until the second-round but had a huge need for an EDGE and lucked out when Howell fell to them at number 41 overall. Howell should be an instant starter as a rookie. Lew is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last October and may not be ready for the beginning of the season but looks like an eventual starter. Young's character concerns and significant injury history makes his pick a head-scratching one. Parker played OT at Duke and will likely slide inside to OG for the Bengals. Endries has starting potential before the end of his rookie season with the skill set to line up as a Y-TE on running downs and slide out to the slot on passing downs. Robinson should immediately contribute as a sub-package pass rushing specialist as a rookie.

The Bengals signed a small but talented UDFA class where several of these prospects have a good opportunity of earning a spot on the 53-man roster or practice squad. Haynes is undersized (5067 / 186 lbs) but is a surprisingly tough inside runner and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield. Haynes should compete for a practice squad spot. Thomas has premium size and has flashed but he needs more consistency. Kattus has plenty of experience and good size. Special teams is his route to an NFL job. Dingle and Gentry are two experienced and productive college LBs who are pushing for one likely practice squad spot this fall. Wright has flashed as a cover CB at USC and Nebraska and could push for a 53-man roster spot this fall. Nwokobia displays excellent ball skills and as the only safety in the rookie class, has an excellent chance of making the roster this summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Although Young has a ton of talent, off-field concerns should significantly lower expectations and keep him off your draft board this summer. But Endries is a potential low-end fantasy starter before the end of his rookie season, if he eventually wins the starting job in Cincy. Do not draft Endries (unless you are in a dynasty league) but monitor his progress as the fantasy season progresses. He could be a worthwhile addition when injuries take a toll on your fantasy roster this fall.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (9)

Spencer Fano 

OT

Utah

The run on OTs begins with the drafting of Fano, the Utah ORT with the lateral agility to play OLT, although his shorter than desired arms may eventually be forced to play inside at guard. Fano is a plug and play starter in Cleveland.

1 (24)

KC Concepcion

WR

Texas A&M

The Browns need additional receiving options for QBs Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson and draft the uber-quick and sudden Concepcion to become the team's starting slot receiver. Concepcion dropped seven passes last year and concentration drops haunted him throughout his career at North Carolina State and Texas A&M. If Concepcion gets to be more reliable, he may be impossible to stop.

2 (36)

Denzel Boston

WR

Washington

The Browns use their second pick so far on a WR by drafting Boston. Boston should play as a starting WR this season on the outside while KC Concepcion will work out of the slot.

3 (86)

Austin Barber

OT

Florida

After drafting Spencer Fano in the first-round, the Browns add Barber, Florida's starting OLT for the better part of the last three seasons. Batber will compete for the starting OLT job as Fano is the likely starter at ORT for Cleveland's rebuilt offensive line.

5 (146)

Parker Brailsford 

OC

Alabama

The Browns' rebuild of the OL nears completion after adding the experienced and productive Tide center. Brailsford lacks some desired size (6017 / 289 lbs / 32" Arms) and strength and can be overwhelmed by a powerful NT, but he is a technician who is highly athletic and instinctive. He is a future starter.

5 (149)

Justin Jefferson

LB

Alabama

One of the fastest and most athletic LBs in this draft class (4.57 40 / 38.5" Vertical / 10'5" Broad), Jefferson is a one-year starter in Tuscaloosa who displayed vast improvement over the course of last season. Jefferson provides quality depth and looks like a potential difference maker on special teams. Great value pick.

5 (170)

Joe Royer

TE

Cincinnati

Another team with a loaded TE room, the Browns add the well-rounded and talented Y-TE from Cincinnati. Royer, a transfer from Ohio State, has NFL size (6050 / 247 lbs / 31 & 1/2" Arms) and is a quality in-line blocker that will allow the Browns to run more "12" man sets with Harold Fannin in the slot or as an H-back. Royer is a good receiver but his value in allowing Fannin to continue to excel in space against LBs and safeties while Royer takes care of the blocking as a Y-TE.

6 (182)

Taylen Green

QB

Arkansas

The Browns finally draft a QB and add Green to the deep, if not overly talented, QB room. Green joins Deshaun Watson, Shedeur Sanders, and Dillon Gabriel and is likely headed for the practice squad this fall. And to be honest, Green needs significant development. Green needs to develop better upper and lower body coordination and step into his throws. Mostly throws fastballs and needs to improve his touch. Sporadic accuracy tied to poor mechanics – when mechanics are in order, he looks like an NFL QB. Excellent athlete with speed, elusiveness, and power in the open field – must be accounted for or he can hurt you with his running. Very good running instincts. Green is not ready to start and it is questionable if he ever will. But he is an outstanding athlete who is worth a sixth-round flyer.

7 (248)

Carsen Ryan

TE

BYU

The Browns select their second TE of the day and select the BYU TE at number 248. Ryan (6030 / 259 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) has NFL size possessing the height, frame, mass, and long arms and large wingspan desired. Smooth, athletic, and uncovers well. Good speed and eats up chunks of yards after the catch – creates mismatches in space against LBs and safeties. Very good hands and concentration. Can adjust and make the difficult, off-target catch. Good speed and surprising power in the open field – quality YAC ability. Lacks some desired strength for in-line blocking ability but his effort and athleticism help compensates for his lack of power. Ryan should either make the 53-man roster or practice squad in September.

UDFA Signings

Davon Booth

RB

Mississippi State

TJ Harden

RB

SMU

Aaron Anderson

WR 

LSU

Kole Wilson

WR 

Baylor

Izavion Miller

OT

Auburn

Carson Bruno

OL

TCU

Logan Fano

EDGE

Utah

Tyreak Sapp

EDGE

Florida

Khordae Sydnor

EDGE

Vanderbilt

Bernard Gooden

IDL

LSU

Michael Coats

CB

West Virginia

DeCarlos Nicholson

CB

USC

Zion Washington

S

Boise State

Wes Pahl

P

Oklahoma State

Draft Needs - OT, WR, QB, EDGE, CB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Browns entered the draft with the need to improve the OL and have to be encouraged by the haul - Fano, Barber, and Brailsford immediately improve the depth. Fano is an immediate starter and Brailsford may push for a starting job on opening day. The Browns set out to improve the WR corps and added a dangerous slot receiver in Concepcion and a powerful outside WR in Boston. Jefferson adds a fast and rangy LB who should excel on special teams. Royer and Ryan join second-year pro Harold Fannin in giving Cleveland a talented and versatile TE corps. Green is immensely talented but has significant issues that need to be addressed. He likely begins his career on the practice squad. 

The Browns have signed more than a dozen prospects and several of these players rated as draftable by SNS. Booth and Harden are likely competing for one practice squad spot. Anderson and Wilson, similarly, are two slot receivers who are facing off for one possible spot on the practice squad. Although Logan Fano and Sapp are both listed as EDGEs, they are auditioning for different roles. Fano is likely to play in space and rush as a stand-up EDGE while Sapp's size, power, and run stopping ability seems ideally suited for short yardage sets. Sydnor has an intriguing combination of skills and could be deployed all along the defensive front. Nicholson has very good size and length and is best used in press coverage. Pahl is a very good punter who will provide quality competition for the punting job in Cleveland.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Concepcion and Boston both look like potential mid-to-late round picks in your fantasy draft, but both have red flags that need to be considered before pulling the trigger on one of them. Concepcion's hands are questionable and drops are an issue that need to be addressed. Boston gains little separation in his pass routes and almost all of his catches are contested. But both players have the upside to be contributors to your fantasy team this season.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (21)

Max Iheanachor

OT

Arizona State

The Steelers draft the burly, physical, and fierce ORT from Arizona State. Iheanachor is still raw, having never played high school football. But Iheanachor plays with good balance and bend. He should compete for a starting job as a rookie.

2 (47)

Germie Bernard

WR

Alabama

The Steelers plan on inserting Bernard in as the team's primary slot receiver. Bernard is a great route runner and is very sure-handed making him an excellent option over the middle of the field.

3 (76)

Drew Allar

QB

Penn State

With questions swirling around Aaron Rodger's availability this fall, adding a young QB was a must for the Steelers who are currently having Mason Rudolph and Will Howard competing for the starting job. Allar is big, strong-armed, and a proven winner.

3 (85)

Daylen Everette

CB

Georgia

The Steelers love their big and long CBs and Everette fits the bill. Everette is a clutch performer who plays best in the biggest situations but needs to improve his consistency. Porter and Everette will make up one of the biggest set of CBs in the NFL.

3 (96)

Gennings Dunker

OL

Iowa

Dunker was announced as a guard when the Steelers drafted him and he profiles as a dominating IOL in the NL. Dunker plays with a fierce mindset and works through the whistle. Dunker should be a starter before the end of his rookie season.

4 (121)

Kaden Wetjen

WR

Iowa

Perhaps the best returner in this draft, Wetjen has also flashed as a slot receiver and could compete for playing time there. But his immediate value is in his return ability that adds another element to the Steelers this season.

5 (169) 

Riley Nowakowski

TE-FB

Indiana

The second FB-TE drafted in the fifth-round, Nowakowski lacks some desired size and length (6020 / 250 lbs / 31 & 1/2" Arms) for in-line duties but is a complete TE with quality blocking ability, reliable hands, and is a powerful runner after the catch. Nowakowski plays with a mean streak and is an intense and physical player who profiles as a fantastic special teams player who adds another physical blocker to the Steelers TE room.

6 (210)

Gabe Rubio

IDL

Notre Dame

Rubio is a large  (6050 / 319 lbs / 33 & 3/8" Arms) and experienced two-gap run stuffer whose strength and base allows him to hold up against the run well but has battled injuries throughout his career in South Bend and his availability may be his greatest challenge to earning an NFL job. Rubio is sturdy and powerful but offers little as a pass rusher. Rubio profiles as a potential backup 5T with the flexibility to play NT in a pinch. Rubio will fight for a roster spot this fall.

7 (224)

Robert Spears-Jennings

S

Oklahoma

RSJ has a rare combination of size (6020 / 205 lbs / 32 & 1/2" Arms), speed (4.32 40), and explosiveness (blazing 1.51 10-yard split / 35" Vertical) and has a fantastic profile as a core special teamer in Pittsburgh. RSJ's speed is more straight-line than quick and tightness in his hips limit his C.O.D ability so his man coverage ability is limited. But his speed and suddenness are rare and make him a great seventh-round selection.

7 (230)

Eli Heidenreich

WR

Navy

Heidenreich was listed as a RB when the Steelers selected him but he is unlikely to carry the ball much in the Steelers' offense. Heidenreich profiles as a third down receiving RB or a slot receiver in the NFL. The Midshipmen has good agility and cutting ability and he displays promise as a route runner – sinks hips and creates separation at the break point. Understands how to leverage the field and create space in his pass routes. Reliable hands. Runs few NFL routes and will need time to adjust to an NFL route tree. Heidenreich should be a demon on special teams at the next level.

UDFA Signings

Lake McCree

TE

USC

Chamon Metayer

TE

Arizona State

Kevin Jobity

IDL

Syracuse

Devan Boykin

CB

Indiana

Daylan Carnell

S

Missouri

Laith Marjan

K

Kansas

Draft Needs - QB, CB, WR, TE, IOL

Draft & UDFA Grade - B+

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

Iheanachor is raw and relatively inexperienced with less than five years of football experience (he did not play in high school) but his size, natural strength, and tenacity should make him a starter at ORT for the next decade. Bernard has played on the outside in college at Michigan State, Washington, and Alabama but seems destined to slide inside to the slot with the Steelers, potentially addressing a long-standing hole in Pittsburgh's offense. Allar is the most gifted of any QB on the current Steelers' roster but he has never reached his immense potential at Penn State. Everette has the size and length desired on the outside and will compete for a starting job as a rookie. Dunker played ORT at Iowa but will slide inside in the NFL where he has Pro Bowl potential as a guard. Wetjen is a dynamic returner with promising upside as a slot receiver and immediately makes Pittsburgh's special teams more dangerous. Nowakowski will likely line up as a FB more often than TE and has the blocking and receiving ability to be a solid contributor as a rookie. Rubio is big and strong but needs to prove he can stay healthy. RSJ is fast and explosive and should be a stud on special teams. Heidenreich was drafted as a RB but profiles as a change-of-pace RB and slot receiver who could contribute before the end of his rookie season.

The Steelers signed a small but talented UDFA class led by two TEs who offer more receiving skill than the current crop of TEs on the Steelers. McCree has displayed a well-rounded game and is a quality receiving and blocking TE. Unfortunately, McCree has a significant injury history and is health is a continuing concern. Metayer is well-traveled with stops at Cincinnati, Colorado, and Arizona State and has flashed as a receiver with a nice combination of power and speed displayed after the catch. But Metayer's hands are poor and he suffers from concentration drops. One of these two TEs are likely to earn a practice squad spot this fall.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Bernard is the only Pittsburgh rookie who should be on your fantasy draft radar. Bernard has reliable hands and runs great routes - if Aaron Rodgers returns, he will appreciate the consistency in Bernard's game. Allar is an intriguing potential fantasy draft pick in dynasty leagues but there is no need to consider Allar as you prepare for this summer's fantasy draft in all other formats. Wetjen, Nowakowski, and Heidenreich should be monitored going forward - all three prospects may hold value as streaming options next fall.