Linebacker: While it makes sense that the elite ability of Pat Surtain would persuade opposing offenses not to target their wide receivers as often, the Broncos nevertheless were one of only 10 defenses to allow over 1,000 yards to opposing tight ends last season.

Pass Catcher: Denver's 67.8 team PFF receiving grade (26th) reflects the reality that this looks a lot like a below-average group of pass catchers from top to bottom.

Running Back: This is the league's third-cheapest RB room entering 2026 due to Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie (ERFA) joining J.K. Dobbins as free agents. Depth is needed.

Secondary: Improving the back end is obviously encouraged, but if there's someone who can make more with less it's defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, who has led six top-10 scoring defenses in seven seasons with the Chiefs.

Pass Catcher: Top two-round picks like Xavier Worthy, Skyy Moore, and Mecole Hardman simply haven't or didn't live up to expectations, and midseason trades for DeAndre Hopkins and Kadarius Toney also failed to work out in meaningful ways over the years.

Running Back: There are a number of big-name free agent running backs like Breece Hall, Travis Etienne and Kenneth Walker. Any of them would instantly be expected to put up big numbers in this offense should the Chiefs decide to spend up on the position.

Cornerback: The front office has only used one top-50 pick on the secondary in the last five drafts combined. Correcting that while also making moves on the open market in March will at least add some much-needed talent into this largely barren group. 

Wide Receiver: This is a situation where there are enough ample available resources to perhaps win a bidding war in free agency. Colts WR Alec Pierce and Seahawks WR Rashid Shaheed represent the probable top-two options available, and each possesses the sort of field-stretching ability to really help open things up underneath for Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.

Quarterback: Draft Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick. While we know better to assume the best with any rookie QB, the 22-year-old Heisman winner possesses the sort of accuracy and quick-processing to warrant the common Jared Goff/Kirk Cousins comps.

Defensive Line: The Chargers boast the cheapest front seven in the NFL by nearly $10 million entering 2026. It's probably time for the front office to spend a top-50 draft pick on the group for the first time since 2020.

Interior Offensive Line: The interior of the offensive line is the priority, and why not? PFF didn't grade a single Charger inside their top-85 guards and centers among 128 qualified interior offensive linemen last season.

Cornerback: The Chargers allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards and lowest overall passer rating, but that doesn't mean some extra help in the back end couldn't take this group from great to elite.