2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - AFC West

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

3 (66)

Tyler Onyedim

IDL

Texas A&M

Onyedim is one of the most talented interior pass rushers in this draft but needs development as a run stuffer. Onyedim will begin his career as a pass rushing specialist who will become a starter once he adds more strength.

4 (108) 

Jonah Coleman

RB

Washington

The Broncos are assembling a powerful RB by committee system and add a potential lead back in the explosive Coleman, SNS' number two ranked RB for this draft. Coleman has a great burst, outstanding contact balance, and soft, natural hands to become an immediate contributor in the loaded Denver offense.

4 (111)

Kage Casey

OG

Boise State

Casey is a powerful run blocker with the mean and nasty temperament that OL coaches love. Casey is a career OT who may lack the lateral agility and arm length to stay on the outside and he needs continued development in hand use. But Casey is naturally powerful run blocker who could excel as a versatil back up that can line up anywhere (except center) on the OL.

5 (152)

Justin Joly

TE

North Carolina State

The Broncos passing game was missing one element the last two seasons under Bo Nix - a dangerous reciving threat at TE. By drafting Joly in the fifth-round, this void has been filled. Joly offers little as an in-line blocker, other than effort, but is a dangerous mis-match piece in space who is too athletic for most LBs and too big for most safeties to handle in man coverage. Joly should contribute as a rookie this fall.

7 (246)

Miles Scott

CB

Illinois

Scott (5113 / 208 lbs / 30 & 1/2" Arms) has battled injuries throughout his career but has flashed as a slot CB and as a free safety over the last two seasons. The Broncos have one of the best and deepest secondaries in the NFL which means that Scott will likely begin his career on the practice squad.

7 (256)

Dallen Bentley

TE

Utah

Bentley (6033 / 253 lbs / 33 & 1/8" Arms) is drafted late but is chosen by a team that could use his skills. Bentley lines up as a Y-TE, as an H-back, and in the slot and is a physical route runner who uses his body well to wall off defenders from the pass. He is a powerful runner after the catch – lowers pads and relishes contact. Very good contact balance after the catch. Good hands – can adjust and catch the ball outside the frame of his body. High points the ball effectively and wins the majority of contested catches. Gains very little separation in his routes and almost all of his catches are contested. Not overly quick or fast, he plays like a power forward fighting for position in the low post – uses size, length, and strength to win at the catch point. Bentley's size, strength, and length will make him a useful target on third down and near the end zone. Bentley should earn a roster spot over the summer.

7 (257)

Red Murdock

LB

Buffalo

Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick of the 2026 NFL Draft, is Red Murdock, the physical LB out of Buffalo who was selected number 257 overall on Saturday evening. Murdock holds the NCAA record with 17 forced fumbles in his career and is a physical and impactful tackler. Murdock lacks some desired size and speed that may keep him from playing regularly on defense but he has a fantastic profile for special teams. The Broncos defense is loaded and earning a roster spot when training camp breaks may prove difficult. Murdock likely starts his career on the practice squad next fall.

UDFA Signings

Dane Key

WR

Nebraska

Sean Brown

WR

Charlotte

Joseph Manjack

WR

TCU

Tyler Miller

OT

Iowa State

Taurean York

LB

Iowa State

Brent Austin

CB

California

Ahmari Harvey

CB

Georgia Tech

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

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

Onyedim adds an element that was otherwise missing in the NFL's best defense - an interior pass rusher with the burst and finishing ability to pressure the QB up the gut. Onyedim needs development as a run stopper but is already a fine pass rusher who is ready to contribute immediately as a pass rushing specialist.Coleman, SNS' number two ranked RB, has a superb blend of burst, toughness, and receiving skill to cecome the eventual starter in the Mile High City. Casey played OLT at Boise State but lacks desired length and agility to protect the QB's blindside. He will provide a versatile backup OL to the Broncos' attack. Joly adds a dynamic weapon to the Broncos' passing offense that has been missing since Bo Nix took over as QB. Scott has an intriguing set of skills and will battle to earn playing time in the slot. Bentley is a big TE who does his best work on third down and in the end zone. If Bentley earns playing time, he could have fantasy value. Murdock is somewhat athletically-limited but has fantastic instincts and is a powerful tackler. He should thrive on special teams.

None of the UDFAs signed by Denver after the draft should be expected to contribute to the defending AFC West Champions but three defensive prospects have displayed the skills, abilities, and experience to be NFL contributors. York is undersized but tough and exceptionally quick. York needs development, especially in man coverage, but should excel on special teams as he gets accustomed to Denver's defensive scheme. Austin is a very good cover CB with the fluidity and agility desired to play either on an island or in the slot. Austin lacks some desired speed and with only average length, he needs to display the technique and playmaking skill to make the practice squad. Harvey is a similar player who moves well and can shadow quickness but lacks some desired speed. Harvey will battle Austin for a job this summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Three Broncos rookies rate as potential impactful fantasy performers this season but none of the three should be drafted over the summer. Both Joly and Bentley are good receiving TEs who create mismatches in space and either TE could post low-end TE1 numbers. But the two rookies are competing with each other and a bevy of quality blocking TEs for playing time. Monitor the TE position battle and be prepared to add either Joly or Bentley early this fall. Coleman could be a late round fantasy draft pick this summer but monitor how the pecking order works out between RJ Harvey, Jaleel McLaughlin, JK Dobbins, and Coleman. If Coleman climbs up the depth chart and gets consistent playing time during the preseason, use a late round pick on the UW rookie.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (6)

Mansoor Delane

CB

Virginia Tech

The Chiefs move up three picks and give up a 3rd and 5th round picks to select the LSU All-American CB. Delane has sticky coverage and ball skills and projects as the Chiefs' top CB as a rookie. Delane is smooth and highly confident man coverage corner.

1 (29)

Peter Woods

IDL

Clemson

Chris Jones' level of play has tapered off with age and now is the time to find his replacement. Woods started since his freshman year at Clemson and has the position flexibility to slide up and down the line in a similar manner to how Jones is used in KC. Woods will be a major contributor next year in KC.

2 (40)

R Mason Thomas

EDGE

Oklahoma

The Chiefs decide to get EDGE George Karlaftis a running mate as a pass rusher in the quick and explosive Oklahoma EDGE. Thomas, despite great size, is a well-rounded EDGE who holds the edge against the run and can close on the QB in the pocket.

4 (109)

Jadon Canady

CB

Oregon

Canady projects to compete as the starting slot CB who should earn some of the playing time lost when Trent McDuffie was traded to the Rams. Canady has experience lining up at both CB and safety and despite lack of size (5104 / 181 lbs / 30" Arms), is willing and effective in run support. Canady will be a major contributor and a potential starting slot CB in KC this fall.

5 (161)

Emmett Johnson

RB

Nebraska

After signing Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker in free agency, the Chiefs continue to rebuild their RB room by adding the Nebraska All-American RB. Johnson shares several similarities to Walker with the burst, toughness, and contact balance to excel in the NFL. The return of Eric Bienemy to KC's coaching staff will mean the running game takes priority this fall to take some pressure off recovering QB Patrick Mahomes.

5 (176)

Cyrus Allen

WR

Cincinnati

The Chiefs love their WRs to have great downfield speed to take advantage of Patrick Mahomes' arm strength and Allen fits that mold. Allen is very quick-twitched and is exceedingly hard, and risky, to press. Allen should push for playing time as a rookie and if continues to develop, could become a starter in the next couple of seasons.

7 (249)

Garrett Nussmeier

QB

LSU

Nussmeier's free fall finally ends with this selection by the Chiefs at pick number 249. Nussmeier has a clean release, very good arm strength, and experience operating a pro-style offense. But has not elevated his play when his team has needed it most – 6 TDs and 6 INTs in losses (nearly a 4 TD to INT ratio in wins) in 2024. Team failed to score 25+ points against all FBS opponents through the first nine games of the 2025 season and he was benched for the last three games of the season, partially due to injuries and partially due to performance issues. Nussmeier should make the Chiefs' roster as QB3 this fall.

UDFA Signings

Jaydn Ott

RB

Oklahoma 

EJ Smith

RB

Texas A&M

Terion Stewart

RB

Virginia Tech

Jeff Caldwell

WR

Cincinnati

Jacob De Jesus

WR

California

Omari Evans

WR

Penn State

John Michael Gyllenborg

TE

Wyoming

Khalil Benson

OT

Indiana

Josh Thompson

OG

LSU

Pete Nygra

OC

Louisville

Vincent Anthony

EDGE

Duke

Anthony Dunn

EDGE

Toledo

Ethan Hurkett

EDGE

Iowa

Cole Brevard

IDL

Texas

Damon Payne

IDL

Michigan

Amari McNeill 

IDL

Colorado

Wesley Bissainthe

LB

Miami, Fl

Bryce Phillips

CB

San Diego State

D'Arco Perkins-McAllister

CB

ULM

Zelmar Vedder

CB

Houston

Xavier Nwankpa

S

Iowa

DeShon Singleton

S

Nebraska

Draft Needs - OT, S, CB, WR, IOL

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Chiefs entered the 2026 NFL Draft with several needs including CB, WR, EDGE, and OT and then used the draft to address the majority of these needs. Noticeably, the Chiefs did not address the hole at ORT in this draft and used the draft to fill needs at CB (Delane and Canady), WR (Allen), and EDGE (Thomas). All four of these prospects should either start or be a significant contributors this fall. Woods will be developed to eventually replace future Hall of Famer Chris Jones and will immediately step into the DL rotation as a rookie. Johnson has starting potential in the NFL and gives the Chiefs a quality RB duo in Kenneth Walker and Johnson for Mahomes to lean on as KC looks to incorporate an improved rushing attack into the offense. Allen has blazing speed and he adds an explosive element to the offense. Nussmeier could be developed into KC's primary backup QB if he can get back to playing at the level he was at in 2024.

The Chiefs brought in a huge UDFA class after the draft in an attempt to rapidly infuse some youth into the roster and a few of these prospects have the talent and experience to contribute in the NFL. Ott barely played last season but looked like a starter at California and has a nice combination of size, speed, and running instincts. Smith, whose father Emmitt is the all-time NFL rushing champion, lacks his father's skills but his NFL bloodline gives him a chance to collect an NFL paycheck. Stewart displayed quality running skills at Bowling Green and Virginia Tech and he will push for a practice squad spot. Caldwell went undrafted despite his fantastic combination of size and speed but needs to display better route running ability and more reliable hands to make the team. De Jesus is a sneaky slot receiver who runs good routes but may not have enough speed for the NFL game. Gyllenborg is a raw but very athletic TE who needs to improve his blocking ability but flashes the receiving skill the Chiefs want in their TEs. Anthony surprisingly went undrafted but displays a nice combination of skills to generate pressure on the QB. Anthony has a great opportunity to make the 53-man roster over the summer. Brevard has very good size and he is an effective run stuffer who displayed little pass rushing acumen in college. Nwankpa and Singleton are both tall and long safeties with the speed and range desired, where Nwankpa is a physical hitter with poor ball skills and Singleton is a ball hawk who needs to improve his tackling form and fundamentals. 

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The Chiefs' two fifth-round picks should be on your fantasy radar - Johnson and Allen both have the skills required to be significant fantasy contributors as rookies. Johnson will likely be KC's number two RB behind Walker and that makes him a late round fantasy draft pick this summer. Allen needs to carve out a role in the offense but his speed is exceptional and if he finds a defined-role in the offense, watch-out! Allen should be monitored as a potential mid-season addition to your fantasy team next fall.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (1)

Fernando Mendoza

QB

Indiana

Usually there is drama with the first pick of the draft but not so much this year since there is only one franchise QB in this draft, the Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza will be given time to develop behind veteran Kirk Cousins and will not be rushed into the lineup in Vegas. Mendoza is an athletic and highly intelligent leader who has the arm strength and intangibles to be developed into a long-term NFL starter.

2 (38)

Treydan Stukes

CB

Arizona

The Raiders use their second-round pick on fast-rising slot CB Stukes. Stukes has the versatility to line up anywhere in the secondary and should be a starter before the end of his rookie season.

3 (67)

Keyron Crawford 

EDGE

Auburn

Crawford is relatively inexperienced but displays promising pass rushing ability - he can cut, bend, flatten, and then has an impressive burst to close on the QB. Crawford is just beginning to learn his craft and has tremendous upside to be developed.

3 (91)

Trey Zuhn

IOL

Texas A&M

Zuhn was announced by the Raiders as a guard even though all of his playing experience is at OLT and center. Zuhn profiles as a valuable OL who can play virtually anywhere on the line and could push Colton Miller for playing time as Vegas' OLT. Great value pick.

4 (101)

Jermod McCoy

CB

Tennessee

McCoy's free fall finally ends with the first pick of the fourth round. McCoy's long-term health is a concern due to structural damage in his knee that may require additional surgery. But as a pure cover corner, few, if any, are better than the Vol who will compete for a starting job as a rookie.

4 (122)

Mike Washington 

RB

Arkansas

Washington is a big power back with great speed and burst (4.33 40 / 1.51 10-yard split) and will serve as a great complement to starting RB Ashton Jeanty in a potentially loaded Raiders offensive backfield.

5 (150)

Dalton Johnson

S

Arizona

Johnson is coming off his best season in Tucson after recording 4 INTs and 7 passes defensed last season. Johnson is a physical tacker and has the skill set to match-up wel with TEs in coverage. Johnson is best in zone where he can read the QB's eyes and jump the route. Johnson should excel on special teams for the Browns.

5 (175)

Hezekiah Masses

CB

California

Masses is one of the most productive ball hawks in college football, recording 5 INTs and 13 passes defensed last season. Masses has desired size and length to play on an island in the NFL (6005 / 180 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms). Masses needs to improve his tackling form but his experience and production should allow him to contribute immeditely with starting potential before his rookie season ends.

6 (195)

Malik Benson

WR

Oregon

A former 5-star recruit who began his career at Alabama, then transferred to Florida State before matriculating to the Pacific Northwest at Oregon. Benson possesses outstanding deep speed (4.37 40) that allow him to burst through pursuit angles and out run chasing defenders. Benson lacks some desired strength and has difficulty gaining separation from physical CBs, but his speed and game breaking ability is desperately needed in Vegas. Benson should contribute as a rookie.

7 (229)

Brandon Cleveland 

IDL

North Carolina State

Cleveland has limited pass rushing upside but he is very strong with outstanding core strength. Anchors effectively – requires double teams to neutralize in the run game. Limited range and agility. Not overly quick or sudden. Best in the box where his natural strength and size make him effective against the run. Cleveland is subbed for on obvious passing downs and that limited three-down capabilility may make him a fringe candidate to keep an NFL job.

UDFA Signings

Jacob Clark

QB

Missouri State

Sawyer Robertson

QB

Baylor

Roman Hemby

RB

Indiana

Chase Roberts

WR

BYU

Corey Rucker

WR

Arkansas State

EJ Williams

WR

Indiana

Jonathan Brady

WR

Indiana

Matt Lauter

TE

Boise State

Isaiah Jatta

OT

BYU

Cian Slone

EDGE

North Carolina State

Gary Smith

IDL

UCLA

Xavian Sorey

LB

Arkansas

Caleb Offord

CB

Kennesaw State

Tanner Wall

S

BYU

Kansei Matsuzawa

K

Hawaii

Tyler Duzansky

LS

Penn State

Draft Needs - WR, OT, IDL, CB, S

Draft & UDFA Grade - A-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Raiders addressed the long-standing need for a franchise QB by the drafting of Mendoza. Mendoza will begin his career as a backup to veteran Kirk Cousins but make no mistake, this is Mendoza's team. Stukes is a fast-rising prospect with experience all over the secondary and is likely to start his career as a slot CB. Crawford is raw but twitchy and quick and flashes as a pass rusher. Zuhn brings versatility as an experienced OLT with reps at center at Texas A&M that makes him an ideal backup in the NFL. McCoy is an absolute steal in the fourth-round - he earned a first-round grade but concerns about the stability of the knee hurt his draft stock. McCoy and Stukes are immediate starters while fellow draft picks Johnson and Masses should immediately compete for playing time in the rebuilt Raiders secondary. Washington makes an intriguing backup to Ashton Jeanty and Benson provides an element of speed to the WR corps that has otherwise been missing. Benson could push for a starting job before the end of his rookie season. Cleveland is a strong run stuffer who displays little pass rushing skill and will provide depth up front as a rookie.

Vegas signed a big class of UDFAs and quite a few of these prospects have a good chance to make the active roster. Clark and Robertson are two big pocket passers who are competing for a likely practice squad spot. Hemby is a solid RB who is not flashy but just reliable, steady, and very durable. Hemby should start his career on the practice squad. The Raiders signed four WRs as UDFAs, an indication of what they think about their receiver corps, and all fours prospects (Roberts, Rucker, Williams, and Brady) should push for a roster or practice squad job this fall. Lauter is a well-rounded TE that is steady and not flashy. He will try to earn a practice squad spot over the summer. Slone is a dynamic EDGE with the ability to bend, flatten, and close on the QB but lacks some size and strength for stopping the run. Slone will need to excel on special teams to make the roster. Smith is a very similar player to Cleveland and is an excellent run stuffer who offers little as a pass rusher. Smith will battle Cleveland for a roster spot this fall. Sorey is extremely fast and rangy and profiles as a fantastic special teams player. Sorey has a good chance of making the 53-man roster this fall.  

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Mendoza's value as a rookie will be determined by how soon he beats out Cousins for the starting job. And although reinforcements were brought in along the IOL, the OTs are still subpar and the WR corps is still a work in progress. In other words, limit your expectations and make sure you have a reliable weekly starter - then draft Mendoza in the later rounds of your fantasy draft. Washington could make an interesting handcuff for owners of Ashton Jeanty and is worth a late round draft choice. Benson is extremely fast and is a home run threat with the ball in his hands. Monitor Benson's use early in the season and add him to your roster if he earns regular playing time in Vegas.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (22)

Akheem Mesidor

EDGE

Miami, Fl

The Chargers are ecstatic that Mesidor falls into their laps. Mesidor has the versatility to line up anywhere on the DL to take advantage of match-ups. Mesidor is a quality run stuffer and is a relentless pass rusher with a fantastic motor.

2 (63) 

Jake Slaughter 

IOL

Florida

When the Chargers drafted Slaughter, SNS' number one ranked center, he was announced as a guard. At guard, Slaughter will compete for a starting job and at a minimum, will serve as a quality backup IOL.

4 (105) 

Brenen Thompson

WR

Mississippi State

The fastest man at the NFL Scouting Combine (4.26 40), Thompson his extremely quick twitch combined with his long speed makes him dangerous to handle in man coverage. Thompson will be limited to the slot but profiles as a big-play waiting to happen with the speed to destroy a defense vertically.

4 (117)

Travis Burke

OT

Memphis

Burke fits the prototype of what the Chargers look for in their OTs with the size (6056 / 325 lbs / 34 & 1/4" Arms) and power LA wants on the outside. Burke will provide much needed depth along the OL.

4 (131)

Genesis Smith 

S

Arizona

Smith is big (6021 / 202 lbs), long (32 & 1/2" Arms) and explosive (42.5" Vertical / 10'8" Broad) and offers the range and ball skills to make a dangerous secondary even faster and deeper.

5 (145)

Nick Barrett

IDL

South Carolina

Barrett fits the mold of what the Chargers want out of their IDL- big, broad, hard to move, and very strong.Barrett will never be a big sack producer but he squeezes down inside run lanes and causing havoc inside. Very good depth piece for LA.

6 (202)

Logan Taylor

OG

Boston College

The Chargers like big, physical, and strong OL and Taylor certainly meets those qualities - 6063 / 314 lbs / 33 & 7/8" Arms. Taylor is exceedingly strong and is a vicious hand fighter but he has balance issues and ends up on the turf too much. Taylor's strength and tenacity fit the Chargers' preferred playing type and he should provide an important depth piece inside over the course of the next season in LA.

6 (206)

Alex Harkey

OG

Oregon

Harkey has been a career OT in college at Colorado, Texas State, and Oregon but was announced as a guard by the Chargers due to lack of arm length (31 & 3/4" Arms) and lack of ideal lateral agility. Harkey fits what LA looks for in their OL and he provides much needed depth at both OG and OT, if injuries shred the depth again this fall like it did last season in LA.

UDFA Signings

Greg Desrosiers

RB

Memphis

Sincere Brown

WR

Colorado

Devonte Ross

WR

Penn State

Jerand Bradley

TE

Kansas State

Evan Svoboda

TE

Wyoming

Isaiah World

OT

Oregon

Nadame Tucker

EDGE

Western Michigan

Jahmeer Carter

IDL

Virginia

Terry Webb

IDL

SMU

Lander Barton

LB

Utah

Jerry Wilson

CB

Florida State

Avery Smith

CB

Toledo

Rodney Shelley

CB

Georgia Tech

Devin Grant

S

Syracuse

Noah Avinger

S

Utah State

Draft Needs - EDGE, TE, RB, IDL, LB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Chargers have a stacked and loaded roster that just needed a few reinforcements to get the team over the hump in the competitive AFC West. The Chargers were riding high before season-ending injuries suffered by OTs Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt derailed their division title and Super Bowl hopes. LA focused on getting reinforcements up front and used four picks on OL (Slaughter, Burke, Taylor, and Harkey). The first pick was used on versatile EDGE Mesidor who has the size and length to slide up and down the DL to take advantage of match-ups. Mesidor is a complete player and may contend for Defensive P.O.Y. Thompson is lightning fast and uber-quick and is nearly impossible to handle in man coverage. Smith is a fast-ascending talent with the length, agility, and speed to excel in the NFL. Barrett is a big and physical IDL with the athletic upside to be developed.

The Chargers signed a large class of UDFAs with a couple of these prospects likely having NFL futures. Three prospects, in particular, earned draftable grades but went undrafted - OT World, EDGE Tucker, and LB Barton. All three players are likely to make the 53-man roster and all will almost certainly be on the practice squad, at a minimum. Carter has flashes at Virginia last season and is likely to earn a job on the practice squad. Smith and Wilson are competing for one likely practice squad spot with Wilson flashing as a slot CB in college.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The Chargers only drafted one skill position player but he is a prospect you need to target this summer. Thompson will likely push veteran Derius Davis as the primary slot receiver on LA. Thompson is uber-quick with explosive speed that makes him a mismatch in man coverage against virtually anyone who tries to cover him. If Thompson beats out Davis as the primary slot receiver, the Bulldog makes a great mid-to-late round draft pick in your fantasy draft later this summer.