2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - NFC 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 (25)

Dillon Thieneman

S

Oregon

The Bears had the most productive turnover creating defense in the NFL last year but lost starting safety Jaquan Brisker to the Steelers. Thieneman is a well-rounded safety who is both a reliable run defender and a dangerous free safety with great ball skills.

2 (57)

Logan Jones

OC

Iowa

The first center drafted is Iowa's Jones, a technician who relies on fundamentals and quickness to win at the POA. Jones will push Garrett Bradbury for the starting center job this fall in Chicago.

3 (69)

Sam Roush

TE

Stanford

One of the best blocking Tes in this draft, Roush suffers from poor concentration and inconsistent hands that reulted in seven dropped passes last season. In Chicago, Roush will be tasked with blocking and will likely be sparingly used in the passing game.

3 (89)

Zavion Thomas

WR

LSU

The Bears add one of the fastest and most explosive WRs in the nation in the undersized and lightning-fast Thomas who logged a 4.28 40 at the NFL Scouting Combine. Thomas suffers from concentration drops but he gives Caleb Williams a very fast toy to play with.

4 (124)

Malik Muhammad

CB

Texas

Surprisingly, Muhammad fell to the fourth-round despite being one of the most reliable slot CBs in the nation. Muhammad has enough size to line up outside but has excelled inside where he can handle TEs well in man coverage. Value pick at number 124.

5 (166)

Keyshaun Elliott

LB

Arizona State

Elliott is an interesting early day three selection who lacks some desired fluidity and coverage ability but is a reliable tackler with excellent read and react skills against the run. Elliott possesses a great athletic profile for special teams but needs to refine his coverage ability before he is ready to contribute on an NFL defense as a rookie. Odd selection by the Bears.

6 (213)

Jordan van den Berg

IDL

Georgia Tech

Van den Berg, a South African citizen, displayed his best season of his career in Atlanta in 2025 when he finished with career highs in sacks (3) and TFL (11). Van den Berg has a stocky, square body that allows him to play with natural leverage and torque which make him an effective run defender. Van den Berg will likely start his career on the practice squad next fall in Chicago.

UDFA Signings

Miller Moss

QB

Louisville

Coleman Bennett

RB

Kennesaw State

Hayden Large

TE

Iowa

Caden Barnett

IOL

Wyoming

KC Eziomume

CB

Tulane

Skyler Thomas

S

Oregon State

Gabriel Plascencia

K

San Diego State

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

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Bears drafted a class of seven prospects and three of the top picks should all start or be immediate contributors to the defending NFC North Champions. Thieneman immediately steps in as a starter and gives the aggressive Bears defense an elite ballhawk to patrol the deep third of the secondary. Jones may not start at the beginning of the year but will likely wrest the center job from veteran Garrett Bradbury by mid-season. Muhammad has the size and length to line up on the outside but has excelled as a slot CB at Texas. Muhammad will be an immediate contributor who will be a starter by mid-season. Roush has questionable hands but is an outstanding blocker who will allow Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet to thrive as receiving options. Thomas is exceedingly fast and sudden but staying healthy and consistently converting that speed to production on the field has been a challenge. The rest of the draft class are more projects than immediate contributors, although Elliott should be a special teams contributor as a rookie. JVDB needs significant development before he can be counted on to contribute in the NFL.

Similar to the draft class, the UDFA class is small but four of these prospects look like they could stick on the roster or practice squad this fall. Moss has flashed as a QB at USC and Louisville and he has a good chance of earning a practice job spot this fall. Barnett earned a draftable grade from SNS and has several starter's traits including the size, bend, balance, and agility desired in a guard and should push for a roster spot this summer. Skyler Thomas is similar to Thieneman in that he has the versatility to be deployed all over the secondary and was the best player on the Beavers' defense last season. He will likely start his career on the practice squad.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The Bears drafted two skill position players but only one should factor into your fantasy football preparation. Roush will be limited to blocking, therefore, Zavion Thomas is the only Bear rookie to monitor this summer. Thomas has amazing speed and a sudden, explosive burst to create separation. If Thomas can work his way up the depth chart and becomes a starting slot WR, he could be worth a late round draft pick in your fantasy draft. But buyer beware, Thomas has always teased with his talent but has never played to it consistently at either Mississippi State or LSU.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (17)

Blake Miller

OT

Clemson

Miller is a solid, logical choice to replace the departed Taylor Decker on the Lions' OL. Miller will likely step in at ORT with Penei Sewell moving to OLT this fall. Miller has more than 50 career starts and has played more than 3,000 snaps at OLT and ORT. Miller is a plug and play starter in the Motor City.

2 (44)

Derrick Moore

EDGE

Michigan

The Lions trade up for the right to draft the Michigan power rusher who will line up opposite fellow Wolverine EDGE Aidan Hutchinson as a starting DE in the Motor City. Morris fills a huge hole in Detroit's defense.

4 (118) 

Jimmy Rolder

LB

Michigan

Rolder became the starting LB when Jaishawn Barham moved to EDGE and is likely penciled in as Alex Anzalone's replacement in Detroit. Rolder's combination of size (6025 / 238 lbs) and explosiveness (36" Vertical) fit the NFL prototype. Rolder needs more experience in coverage but has the skills to start as a rookie. 

5 (157)

Keith Abney

CB

Arizona State

Abney fits what the Lions like out of their CBs - smooth and fluid with strong man coverage skills. Abney has experience both outside and inside on the slot, but his size and length (5100 / 187 lbs / 30" Arms) make him better suited to playing the slot. Abney is willing and effective against the run and will push for a starting slot job as a rookie.

5 (168)

Kendrick Law

WR

Kentucky

Law gives the Lions a potential starting outside WR with the size (5110 / 203 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms), strength, hands, and YAC ability to be dangerous after the catch. Law has some difficulty getting separation against loose-hipped CBs but Law has starting potential with continued development.

6 (205)

Skyler Gill-Howard

IDL

Texas Tech

SGH missed the end of last season after undergoing ankle surgery but is expected back prior to the coming season. SGH is vastly undersized (6005 / 280 lbs / 30 & 3/8" Arms) but exceptionally quick and displays a great first step and an impressive burst to close. SGH's motor and effort is outstanding and he plays with the energy and effort coach Dan Campbell covets in his players. SGH will push for playing time this fall.

7 (222)

Tyre West

IDL

Tennessee

The Lions wrap-up the 2026 NFL Draft with a pair of undersized and twitchy IDL with the quickness and burst to generate pressure on the QB and shoot through gaps to plug running lanes. West will likely weigh in as one of the smallest IDL in the NFL (6016 / 278 lbs) but his massive length (33 & 3/4" Arms) and explosiveness make him an intriguing developmental prospect. West will likely begin his career on the practice squad.

UDFA Signings

Luke Altmyer

QB

Illinois

Miles Kitselman

TE

Tennessee

Melvin Priestly

OL

Illinois

Anthony Lucas

EDGE

USC

Aidan Keanaaina

IDL

California

Erick Hunter 

LB

Morgan State

Aamaris Brown

CB

UNLV

De'Shawn Rucker

CB

USF

Draft Needs - OT, EDGE, CB, LB, RB

Draft & UDFA Grade - B

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Lions entered the 2026 NFL Draft with clear holes to fill. Namely, OT, with the release of starting OLT Taylor Decker, and EDGE, where Aidan Hutchinson could have sued for lack of support last season, and GM Brad Holmes addressed those two needs with their first two picks. Miller and Moore are both highly experienced, tough, and durable. Miller is an instant starter and should play at a high-level from day one. Moore is likely to compete with free agent signee DJ Wonnum for the starting job opposite Hutchinson. Rolder and Abney will be significant contributors as rookies with Rolder pushing for a starting job and Abney being developed into Detroit's top slot CB. Law has the upside to be developed into a starter but will likely be limited to backing up Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams this season. Gill-Howard and West are two undersized but quick interior pass rushers with Gill-Howard being better against the run. They will compete with veteran Mekhi Wingo to serve as an underneath pressure generator on passing downs in the Motor City.

The Lions signed a small UDFA class where the majority of the prospects are unlikely to make much of an impact in the NFL. Altmyer has an excellent chance of earning a practice squad spot this summer with a small chance of earning the QB3 job with a solid preseason. Altmyer is extremely experienced and athletic and could be developed into a long-term NFL backup QB. Kitselman has flashed with the size and catch radius desired and will push for a practice squad spot this summer. Lucas, a former 5-star recruit who never lived up to his hype, has the size, length, and athleticism to push for a roster or practice squad spot in September.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The Lions only added one potential impactful rookie skill position prospect this spring in Law, but little should be expected, at least initially. Law provides quality depth with a skill set to be developed into a potential starter but that will not be this fall. Law's use should be monitored - he could become a quality streaming option later this fall but for now, Law should not factor into your fantasy draft planning.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

2 (52)

Brandon Cisse

CB

South Carolina

Cisse is a well-rounded CB with the size and length to hold up in man coverage and the physicality to support against the run. Cisse needs to improve his ball skills but plays like a starter. Cisse should compete for a starting job as a rookie.

3 (77)

Chris McClellan

IDL

Missouri

After trading Kenny Clark in last year's Micah Parsons trade, the Packers acquire his successor with pick number 77. McClellan was as good as any IDL in the nation by the end of last season and his combination of strength and quickness makes him a contender to start as a rookie.

4 (120)

Dani Dennis-Sutton

EDGE

Penn State

DDS falls to the fourth-round despite his size (6060 / 256 lbs / 33 & 3/8" Arms), power, and flashes of dominating play. Green Bay traded Rashan Gary to Dallas in the off-season and DDS will help fill the void this fall.

5 (153)

Jager Burton 

OC

Kentucky

The Packers' depth along the OL was weakened over free agency. Namely, long-time starter Elgton Jenkins signed with the Browns and depth is needed, especially along the IOL. Burton is an experienced and powerful interior blocker who displays starter's traits and will push for a starting job as a rookie.

6 (201)

Domani Jackson

CB

Alabama

Former 5-star recruit who did not live up to the hype at USC but has developed into a physical CB with an NFL future while in Tuscaloosa, Jackson has a nice combination of speed (4.41 40), size (6005 / 194 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms), and coverage ability but consistency has always been an issue. Jackson's lack of ball skills (2 INTs and 11 passes defensed over three seasons) may keep him from ever meeting his potential. Jackson will compete for a roster spot this fall.

6 (216)

Trey Smack

K

Florida

The second specialist, and only kicker drafted, is the talented Gator who has a career-long FG of 56-yards and will be given every opportunity to win Green Bay's kicking job. Green Bay has been trying to lock down the kicking position since Mason Crosby left and have so far failed. Now Smack gets his opportunity.

UDFA Signings

Kyron Drones

QB

Virginia Tech

Isaiah Jacobs

RB

UAB

Jaden Nixon

RB

UCF

J. Michael Sturdivant

WR

Florida

Eni Falayi

TE

Wake Forest

RJ Maryland

TE

SMU

Dylan Barrett

OG

Iowa State

Josh Gesky

OG

Illinois

Dillon Wade

OG

Auburn

Nyjalik Kelly

EDGE

UCF

TJ Quinn

LB

Louisville

Murvin Kenion

S

Nevada

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

Draft & UDFA Grade - C

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Packers did not have a selection until the second-round, which limits how much help a team can expect, but the Packers did improve the CBs by adding Cisse and Jackson, who should both make the 53-man roster. Cisse should push for a starting job while jackson will be a contributor as a rookie. McClellan should immediately push for a starting job and has a combination of size and athleticism that should improve both the run and pass defense. Dennis-Sutton combines size, power, and athleticism and has the skill set to fill the void left by the departure of Rashan Gary. Burton is coming off the best year of his college career and has the size, strength, and tenacity to be a long-term starter at either center or guard. Smack addresses a major need and he has the leg strength needed to kick in the NFL.

Sturdivant has the size, length, and vertical speed to help replace the size and vertical speed that was lost when Dontayvion Wicks was traded to the Eagles. Sturdivant will push for a roster spot in training camp. Maryland is an extremely fast TE with NFL bloodlines. Maryland likely begins his career on the practice squad. The Packers brought in guards Barrett, Gesky, and Wade to compete for one or maybe two roster or practice squad spots this summer. Kelly has premium length and athleticism and has flashed moments of dominance in Orlando. But he needs to be more consistent to earn a practice squad spot.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

The Packers did not draft any skill position players but have signed six skill position players in UDFA ranks. Monitor Sturdivant and Maryland's use early in the season since they could prove to be valuable streaming options when bye weeks arrive in October. But from a fantasy draft perspective, there is no rookie Packer who will earn a draftable grade for later this summer.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (18)

Caleb Banks

IDL

Florida

In a shocking selection, the Vikings decide to gamble on the upside that Banks offers. Banks broke his foot twice in the past 12 months and he only played in three games last season. Banks has freakish athleticism and the upide to be a game wrecker inside, if he can keep his pads down and stay healthy as a pro.

2 (51)

Jake Golday 

LB

Cincinnati

Golday is the kind of combo LB the team covets under DC Brian Flores - he is stout against the run, effective in zone coverage, and has an excellent closing burst as a blitzer. Golday should be a starter before the end of his rookie year.

3 (82) 

Domonique Orange

IDL

Iowa State

The Vikings select their second IDL in "Big Citrus," an elite run stuffer who displays little pass rushing upside. Orange will probably never be a big sack artist but his strength and durability gives Minnesota a reliable starter.

3 (97)

Caleb Tiernan

OT

Northwestern

A great value pick here, Tiernan has starting potential as an OLT after starting 38 games in the Big Ten. Tiernan should serve as a valuable swing tackle as a rookie and may become a starter before the end of his rookie season.

3 (98)

Jakobe Thomas

S

Miami, Fl

Harrison Smith is rumored to be retiring before the 2026 season, and even if he decides to play another year, his successor is needed. Thomas is a very good ball hawk who plays the ball in the air like a WR. Finished 2025 with 5 INTs (1 returned for TD) and 6 passes defensed.

5 (159)

Max Bredeson

FB

Michigan

The FB position is back in the NFL as teams are more committed to the run then they were a decade ago. Bredeson is a FB-TE tweener who is a quality lead blocker with limited receiving ability. If Bredeson carves out a role on special teams, he could have a long NFL career.

5 (163)

Charles Demmings

CB

Stephen F. Austin

Vikings DC Brian Flores likes CBs with solid man coverage ability and Demmings fit the prototype with the size and length desired for man coverage - 6010 / 191 lbs / 32 & 1/4" Arms - and the speed (4.40 40) and explosiveness to excel in that role. Demmings will need time to acclimate to the speed of the NFL game but he has the athleticism and ability to excel in the Minnesota defense.

6 (198)

Demond Claiborne

RB

Wake Forest

The Vikings wait until the sixth-round to address a gaping need at the RB position but luck out having a potential future starting RB fall to them this late in the draft. Claiborne is a fast (4.37 40), quick, darting RB with excellent vision, C.O.D ability, and a fantastic burst to contribute immediately in the NFL as a rookie. For fantasy football owners, taking a late-round flyer on the Demon Deacon RB could pay huge dividends next December.

7 (235)

Gavin Gerhardt

OC

Cincinnati

Gerhardt (6036 / 307 lbs / 32 & 1/2" Arms) is one of the biggest centers available in the 2026 NFL Draft and is an experienced and durable pivot. Gerhardt is a natural knee bender who plays with good leverage. Plays with good balance and a wide base. Gerhardt is not overly powerful or strong but works to position himself to push the defender backwards in the run game. Smart technician who works to finish his blocks. Gerhardt should push for a roster or practice squad spot this summer.

UDFA Signings

Kejon Owens

RB

FIU

Dillon Bell

WR

Georgia

Luke Wysong

WR

Arizona

Tristian Leigh

OT

Clemson

Tomas Rimac

OG

Virginia Tech

Delby Lemieux

IOL

Dartmouth

Cam'Ron Stewart

EDGE

Temple

Jordan Botelho

EDGE

Notre Dame

Monkell Goodwine

IDL

South Carolina

Keli Lawson

LB

UCF

Scooby Williams

LB

Texas A&M

Marcus Allen

CB

North Carolina 

Tyreak Chappell

CB

Texas A&M

Jacob Thomas

S

James Madison

Brett Thorson

P

Georgia

Draft Needs - IOL, RB, S, IDL, CB

Draft & UDFA Grade - C

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Vikings are currently without a GM and the lack of focus may have been a factor in the selection of the talented but enigmatic Banks, a big, strong, and fast IDL. But he re-broke the foot at the combine that cost him all but three games last year and his health is a huge concern. The Vikings passed on safeties Dillon Thieneman and Emmanuel McNeil-Warren to draft Banks, a decision they may regret. Golday is a perfect schematic fit for what DC Brian Flores likes out of his LBs. Golday's pass rushing skill will help replace Jonathan Greenard, who was traded to Philadelphia. Orange is a big, strong, and physical interior run stuffer who isn't flashy, just effective. Tiernan was a great pick at the end of the third-round and has eventual starting potential and makes a great swing OT. Thomas is a ball hawk with the range and instincts to take over for Harrison Smith, once he retires. Bredeson is an old-fashioned FB who does not need to touch the ball to impact the game - he is a powerful player who excels as a lead blocker. Claiborne is an absolute steal at pick 198 and could find himself as the Vikings starting RB before the end of his rookie season. Gerhardt is one of the biggest center prospects in this draft and he has an excellent chance of making the 53-man roster at the beginning of September.

Owens has an excellent opportunity to make the 53-man roster and earn a job as a backup RB as a rookie. Bell shockingly went undrafted, likely due to questionable hands, and should make the Vikings roster. And it would not be shocking to find him contributing before the end of his rookie season. Leigh has started more than 40 career games and has experience at both OT spots at Clemson. He should make a bid for the practice squad. Lemieux and Rimac are likely competing for one practice squad spot. Goodwine has played in a deep rotation in college but has flashed and has enough potential to fight for a practice squad spot. Allen has the size and length Flores likes in his CBs and Thomas has displayed quality ball skills and has a good profile for special teams. Thorson was SNS' number two ranked specialist but surprisingly went undrafted. The Aussie will push for an NFL job, if not in Minnesota then he will find a home elsewhere.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Claiborne is potentially in a prime position to get significant carries as a rookie, even possibly becoming the starter before the end of this coming season. Claiborne is a great late round fantasy pick who could pay huge dividends early this fall. Owens and Bell are worth monitoring and both players could be streaming options later in the season after bye weeks commence.