Jon Macri evaluates how NFL defensive backs performed in tackles versus expected in 2025. Several of last yearâs top tacklers repeat in 2025: Budda Baker, Jordan Battle and Nick Cross were among several of the repeat elites in this metric. Many of the rookie safeties left more to be desired: Several safeties from the 2025 class were full-time starters, including Malaki Starks and Craig Woodson, though they left plenty of meat on the bone in the tackle column in Year 1. Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool. Get 25% off your PFF+ annual subscription with code PFFFANTASYPODCAST25. Estimated Reading Time: 8 minutes Itâs easy at the end of each NFL season to look at where players ranked in fantasy football, but understanding why they finished where they did is often more important when projecting future production. For the defensive back position, tackles are important, but a defensive back’s ability to make big plays often separates the scoring leaders from the rest of the pack. However, big plays, such as interceptions, sacks and fumbles, are also wildly unstable, so focusing more on which safeties and cornerbacks can deliver strong tackle numbers is often the best starting point for IDP. All expected tackle figures for defensive backs are derived from a combination of each player’s individual play and situation. Focusing on their alignment, run or pass situation, what type of coverage theyâre in and how many snaps they played, their efficiency is compared to their peers’ larger pool. Safeties Top performers Among the 28 eligible safeties (non-rookies) who finished among the top 75th percentile in tackles versus expected this season, 23 (82%) finished with a positive score in this regard last year as well. The repeat elites All of these safeties finished no worse than the top 85th percentile in tackles versus expected last season and were able to repeat among the top 85th percentile again in 2025. They have been the most consistent and efficient tacklers relative to their situations over the past two seasons combined and are now strong bets to keep that going heading into 2026. Surprise names This list of safeties all finished in the top 85th percentile at the position in tackles versus expected after finishing with negative scores in 2024. They represent the high variance IDP managers often see at the defensive back position as a whole. With less stability in their production from year to year, some of these names may come back down to Earth in 2026. Other names of note These are players who have also performed exceptionally well in recent years and remain solid options for IDP if they maintain the same level of production as repeat positive performers in this metric. With positive deployments on a full-time basis, they should be considered solid bets to potentially lead this metric in future seasons, given their stronger track records. Tony Adams, New York Jets Underperformers This year, several new players entered the league and came in below expectations in the tackle column and are potentially at risk of being inefficient in future years as well. Itâs also worth noting that 57% of qualifying players (non-rookies) in the bottom 25th percentile this season finished with a negative score in this metric last season. Repeat underperformers to the bottom 25th percentile These are the safeties who have been among the worst tacklers relative to their position over the past two seasons and should be considered riskier IDP options considering the lower tackle potential heading into 2026. Rookies who underdelivered as tacklers in Year 1 Given their usage, deployment and tackle production, this group didnât quite match their peers’ production in similar situations, making them names to watch going forward due to the risk of inefficiency carrying over to future seasons. It isnât a guarantee that this inefficiency will hold, considering there is still a fair amount of variance in this metric, but they will be worth monitoring at the very least. Dean Clark, New York Jets Surprise names Again, variance at the defensive back position is less of a surprise, though considering some strong showings in 2024, these players making the bottom 25th percentile now in 2025 is at least somewhat concerning. Like with all defensive back production, there is room to bounce back as soon as next season, but itâs worth highlighting some of the new names who went from positive scorers last year to near the bottom this year. Taylor Rapp, Buffalo Bills đ Draft Season 2026 Prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with PFF+ Your complete draft preparation toolkit Subscribe Cornerbacks Top performers Among the 29 eligible cornerbacks (non-rookies) who finished among the top 75th percentile in tackles versus expected this season, 17 (59%) finished with a positive score in this regard last year as well. Unlike the safety position, which is already an unstable position, the cornerback position is typically much harder to predict, though this metric is at least better than most in that regard, especially on the high and low ends of the spectrum. The repeat elites All of these cornerbacks finished no worse than the top 80th percentile in tackles versus expected last season and were able to repeat among the top 80th percentile again in 2025. They have been the most consistent and efficient tacklers relative to their situations over the past two seasons combined and are now strong bets to keep that going heading into 2026. Surprise names These players are either new names for IDP, either due to being rookies or first-time starters, who immediately hit the ground running and established themselves as players to watch for IDP purposes going forward. They can also be names who were not positive scorers in this metric last season and turned things around this year. Underperformers A lot of the leagueâs best coverage cornerbacks often come in well below expectations in the tackle column, as opposing offenses
Fantasy Football: Evaluating 2025 IDP defensive back tackles versus expected
Are Rams getting healthy at the right time?
The Los Angeles Rams started the season 9-2 before losing three of their final six games. After remaining relatively healthy for much of the season, injuries to Quentin Lake and Kevin Dotson created a speed bump in the middle of what was an otherwise strong season. It was the polar opposite from the last two [âŠ] The Los Angeles Rams started the season 9-2 before losing three of their final six games. After remaining relatively healthy for much of the season, injuries to Quentin Lake and Kevin Dotson created a speed bump in the middle of what was an otherwise strong season. It was the polar opposite from the last two years in which the Rams started the season with injuries and got healthy as the year progressed. In 2023, the Rams started 3-6, but finished 7-1. Last year, the Rams were 1-4 and then finished 9-2 with a third loss coming after resting starters. This season, it would have been very difficult to overcome that sort of start. However, they started 9-2 and were looking like the best team in the NFL before their late-season slump. In 2023 and 2024, the Rams were playing their best football going into the playoffs and it didnât seem to matter. This year, the Rams may have been playing their worst football heading into the playoffs. After Lake went down with an injury, the Rams allowed 27 or more points in four out of seven games to end the season. Two of the three games in which they didnât were against the Arizona Cardinals. After averaging 128.5 yards per game and 4.67 yards per carry with a 58.1 rushing success rate in Weeks 1-15, that dropped after Kevin Dotsonâs injury. Since Week 16, they have averaged 4.18 yards per carry which is nearly a full half yard less. The drop in overall yards per game and success rate has been minimal, but the loss of Dotson did have an effect. In pass protection, Matthew Stafford went from being pressured at a 28.5 percent rate to 34.5 percent. That doesnât mention the hamstring injury to Davante Adams. Before Adamsâ injury, the Rams were 25-for-33 in the red zone since the bye week. Thatâs a conversion rate of 75.8 percent. In the three games without Adams, they were 6-for-13 for a 46.2 percent touchdown rate in the red zone. Some regression to the mean may have been expected. However, a near-30 percent drop is significant. Last week, the Rams got Quentin Lake back in the lineup. While he allowed eight receptions for 94 yards and was picked on against the Carolina Panthers, heâs also the best chance that the Rams have at slowing down some of the Bearsâ weapons. Thatâs especially the case when it comes to Colston Loveland. The hope will be that with a game under his belt, Lake performs as he did early in the season. Dotson should help revive a run game against a defense that has struggled against the run this season. The Bears have allowed a 44 percent rushing success rate this season which is the sixth-worst in the NFL. Since Week 10, it is the fourth-worst. Since Week 10, the Rams have a 51.9 rushing success rate which is the best in the NFL. The Bears defense ranks 19th in the red zone this season. Since Week 10 though, theyâve only allowed a 50 percent touchdown rate in the red zone. For the Rams to have a healthy Adams in this game will be important. Heâs taken an average red zone offense and made it one of the best in the NFL. Additionally, Terrance Ferguson could be back against the Bears. The rookie tight end started slow, but was starting to develop and show promise over the second half of the season. From Weeks 9-17, Ferguson led all tight ends in yards per reception and average depth of target. He had become a legitimate down field threat in the passing game. The Bears have allowed the 10th most receptions to tight ends. It will be interesting to see how the Rams utilize Ferguson with Tyler Higbee and Colby Parkinson, but heâs an important piece of the passing game. On the other side,The Bears may be happy just to end their season with a win against the Green Bay Packers in the playoffs. They would obviously like to go to the NFC Championship, but everything for them after that win is gravy. The Bears have also suffered some injuries that could loom large. Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards will miss the game; heâs a top-15 coverage linebacker. Ozzy Trapilo provided the Bears some stability at left tackle. The Bears could turn to Theo Benedet who ranks inside the bottom-10 in pass-blocking efficiency or Braxton Jones who has been on injured reserve since October. At this point in the season, all teams are going to be managing their own injuries. Matthew Stafford isnât 100 percent after spraining his finger last week. Ahkello Witherspoon was also placed on injured reserve. However, considering itâs the divisional round of the playoffs, the Rams are in pretty good shape. They are getting key players back while other teams are losing key players to injury. When the Rams have been healthy this season, they have been the best team in the NFL. Heading into the divisional round of the playoffs, they may be getting healthy again at the right time and in time to make a run.
Michael Mayer quietly effective when it counted
In the big picture, Las Vegas Raiders backup tight end Michael Mayer had a mostly quiet third NFL season with modest stats. The second-round pick from Notre Dame in 2023 had 35 catches for 328 yards on 50 targets in 13 games. Yet, Mayer did make an impact based on this recent X post from [âŠ] In the big picture, Las Vegas Raiders backup tight end Michael Mayer had a mostly quiet third NFL season with modest stats. The second-round pick from Notre Dame in 2023 had 35 catches for 328 yards on 50 targets in 13 games. Yet, Mayer did make an impact based on this recent X post from an NFL analytics post, led all receivers in 2025 on third and fourth downs based on, at least, 15 targets. Mayer, according to this metric, caught 88 percent of his 17 targets. So, again, Mayer didnât make a huge impact. But he was productive and clutch when needed and that plays, so the new Raidersâ offensive coaching staff some a valuable resource going into next season. In other Raidersâ news: New trend: The Athletic examines how Raidersâ part owner Tom Brady is part of a new trend. FEED talk: Check out this FEED post and join the party. Top 24 draft picks figured out: There just eight more picks to determine the first round of the 2026 NFL Drat. We all now where the Raiders are picking. See More: Las Vegas Raiders Game Information
âBears have weather advantageâ: Freezing cold take
Temperature estimates for Sundayâs divisional playoff game between the Rams and Bears in Chicago are sitting around 20 degrees, leading to a snowball effect of opinions that the home team has an advantage. So why does history not support that theory whatsoever? Over the last 20 years, divisional round playoff games at 20 degrees or [âŠ] Temperature estimates for Sundayâs divisional playoff game between the Rams and Bears in Chicago are sitting around 20 degrees, leading to a snowball effect of opinions that the home team has an advantage. So why does history not support that theory whatsoever? Over the last 20 years, divisional round playoff games at 20 degrees or below have been won by the ROAD TEAM more often than the home team. Home teams are 2-3 in 20 or below since 2005: 2025: Bills (home) beat Ravens 27-25 2022: 49ers (away) beat Packers 13-10 2018: Jaguars (away) beat Steelers 45-42 2015: Patriots (home) beat Ravens 35-31 2013: Ravens (away) beat Broncos 38-35 (2 OT) (Years are actual years, not seasons) Every single cold weather game was close. The last blowout in a cold weather division game was a Steelers win over the Bills in 1996. Pittsburgh was at home but that same weekend the Colts went to Kansas City and beat the Chiefs in 11 degree weather, 10-7. All-time home team record in 20 degrees or below in the divisional round: 11-7 But in the last 10 cases, both home and road teams have 5 wins. When you expand the criteria beyond divisional round and include ANY playoff game in 20 or below degrees, then since 2005 home teams have a combined record of 10-11. 10 and 11. The home team has lost more often than theyâve won. Some are saying that no, itâs not gonna be 20 degreesâŠitâs gonna be FREEZING cold. Itâs gonna feel even colder than that. Okay. In 15 degrees or below, home teams are 4-7 in their last 11 such playoff games. 4-7. The home teams. Does anything matter more than the fact that the Bears are an overrated 11-6 team that is lucky to be here? Not really. Definitely not the weather. The Bears canât play defense in any weather so I expect the road weather teams to keep up their hot streak. See More:
Chiefs fire second offensive assistant coach of the offseason
The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clarify whether or not offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will move on from Kansas City, but the offensive coaching staff will be different in 2026. On Thursday, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported the Chiefs have fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers Connor Embree. [âŠ] The Kansas City Chiefs have yet to clarify whether or not offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will move on from Kansas City, but the offensive coaching staff will be different in 2026. There are four changes to the Chiefs coaching staff so far, per sources: They have fired RBs coach Todd Pinkston and WRs coach Connor Embree. Louie Addazio chose to move on for the OL job at UNLV. Alex Whittingham has joined the Michigan staff. Could be more after the carousel⊠â Sam McDowell (@SamMcDowell11) January 15, 2026 On Thursday, Sam McDowell of the Kansas City Star reported the Chiefs have fired running backs coach Todd Pinkston and wide receivers Connor Embree. The latterâs dismissal was reported last week, but now McDowell has confirmed the expulsion of both assistant coaches. The 2025 season was Pinkstonâs third as the running backs coach in Kansas City, joining the staff when Nagy assumed the offensive coordinator role in 2023. The former NFL wide receiver coached a backfield that mainly consisted of running backs Isiah Pacheco, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Kareem Hunt over three years. In Pinkstonâs first season, Pacheco rushed for 935 yards, but no Chiefs player rushed for over 750 yards in the two years since. Pinkston was hired as an assistant after working with head coach Andy Reid through a coaching internship in 2022. He had experience as the wide receivers coach at Austin Peay State University before becoming the associate head coach at Stockbridge High School in Georgia. His 11-year career as an NFL wide receiver â and his experience coaching that position at lower levels â did not translate to coaching the running backs impactfully in Kansas City over three years. Embree coached the position Pinkston played, while Pinkston coached the position Embree was seemingly more familiar with. Despite playing quarterback his senior year at Blue Valley West High School, Embree was a two-star running back recruit, according to 247sports. He was listed as a running back during his playing days at the University of Kansas. It will be interesting to see how the Chiefsâ offensive coaching staff shapes up from here â and if the new hires are more traditional fits in each position room.
NY Giants 2026 NFL Draft: 10 prospects to watch at the Senior Bowl
There is a clock ticking for the New York Giants and their new head coach John Harbaugh. The inexorable process that is leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft is under way. And while the Giants have their next head coach, they need to get a coaching staff together. January 14th was the hard deadline for underclassmen to declare for the upcoming draft. The Panini Senior Bowl also released its final (barring withdrawals or late invites) roster with declarations made. Senior Bowl practices will be begin on January 27th, and the Giants will want the overall structure of their coaching staff in place when they descend on Mobile. Coaches take a much more active role in scouting starting at the Senior Bowl, and having offensive and defensive coordinators in place is crucial for helping the team focus their efforts efficiently. We donât know yet what schemes the Giants will call in 2026, but we do know the players that will be at the Senior Bowl and take a quick look at some of the players to watch. American Team Full Roster JaâKobi Layne (WR, USC) – If the Giants opt to pass on a receiver in the first round, Lane is an intriguing name for the second round. He probably wonât be a star or a âWR1â if Malik Nabers goes down or isnât ready, but he is a big, physical receiver who can tilt 50/50 balls in his favor, keep the chains moving on third down, or be a factor in the Red Zone. Jalon Kilgore (S, South Carolina) – Kilgore is an interesting option for the Giants with Dane Belton entering free agency. He was best described as a ânickel defenderâ for the Gamecocks, lining up all over their Back 7, though heâs listed on the Senior Bowl roster as a safety â indicating thatâs where the NFL views him. Kilgore is a good athlete at 6-foot-1, 211 pounds (unofficial), with enough speed to cover ground in zone coverage as well as hip fluidity to cover in the slot. J.C. Davis (OT, Illinois) – Davis is a stoutly built tackle (listed at 6-foot-5, 335 pounds), and the NFL may ask him to move to guard. However, heâs also been a remarkably dependable blocker for Illinois, with upside in both run blocking and pass protection. He isnât on the national radar yet and lands as a fourth-round prospect on Pro Football Focusâ draft board and a fifth-rounder on the Consensus Big Board. However, he could climb dramatically if he has a good week of practice. Caleb Banks (iDL, Florida) – Banks has a real chance to be a first round draft pick. Heâs a powerful defensive tackle (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) who also has some pass rush chops and upside. He missed most of the season with an injury, but he returned for Floridaâs final two games and has a golden opportunity to put him right back in the conversation for the top interior defenders in the draft. Davison Igbinosun (DB, Ohio State) – Igbinosun played cornerback almost exclusively for the Buckeyes, however is listed as a âDBâ on the Senior Bowl roster, which could be a sign that the NFL thinks the 6-foot-2, 195 pounder has the versatility to play multiple positions. He was very good in both man coverage and run defense last year, allowing a completion percentage of just 42.6, with 10 passes defensed and 2 interceptions, as well as amassing 53 tackles. National Team Full Roster Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State) – Payton has a chance to make himself a lot of money down in Mobile. Payton is a dense quarterback at 6-foot-2, 233 pounds, and finished the year with 2,719 yards with 16 passing touchdowns and four interceptions, as well as 777 rushing yards (136 carries, 5.7 yards per carry) and 13 touchdowns on the ground. The depth chart at quarterback is wide open after now that Dante Moore has gone back to college, and Payton could climb draft boards. If not, he may be an option as a developmental backup quarterback for the Giants. Emmaneul Pregnon (OG, Oregon) – Weâve highlighted Pregnon a few times already in Oregonâs various games, and the spotlight remains on for the Senior Bowl. He could be a real option for the Giants at the top of the second round to plug a hole at guard and continue to build their offensive line. Heâs big, powerful, and an effective run blocker and pass protector. Lee Hunter (DT, Texas Tech) – If the Giants want to look for an option at nose tackle to play behind Dexter Lawrence, Hunter could draw their eye. The 6-foot-4, 330 pounder is a rock in the middle of a very good Texas Tech defense. Heâs almost impossible to move one-on-one, and also has the power to collapse the pocket as a pass rusher. Hunter doesnât have Dexter Lawrenceâs explosiveness, but he did generate 20 hurries this year, as well as a pair of sacks and 4 hits. Jacob Rodriguez (LB, Texas Tech) – Rodriguez probably wonât be the first defensive player drafted this year, but he was voted the best defensive player in the country as well as the best linebacker. The Bednarik, Nagurski, and Butkus award winner has mediocre size (6-foot-1, 230 pounds) but he absolutely stuffed the stat sheet, to the tune of 128 tackles, 11.0 tackles for a loss, one sack, seven forced fumbles, six passes defensed, and four interceptions. Chris Jonson (CB, San Diego State) – Johnsonâs is a name to know as the process unfolds. The 6-foot, 195 pound corner was a black hole this year, allowing a passer rating of 16.1, with nine passes defensed, and four interceptions â two of which he returned for a touchdown. He also had 49 total tackles and three tackles for a loss in addition to his work in coverage. Heâs an instinctive and fluid corner who can play man and zone, and is a willing run defender as well.
The most positive aspect of Ramsâ wildcard win
Buried in the Los Angeles Ramsâ playoff win over the Carolina Panthers is one of the more positive developments for Sean McVayâs team: they possibly solved their recent tackling issue. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the last month documenting the Ramsâ challenges in bringing ball carriers down: Dec 30: [âŠ] Buried in the Los Angeles Ramsâ playoff win over the Carolina Panthers is one of the more positive developments for Sean McVayâs team: they possibly solved their recent tackling issue. At risk of sounding like a broken record, I have spent the last month documenting the Ramsâ challenges in bringing ball carriers down: Dec 30: Rams-Falcons PFF Grades: Missed tackles galore (again) Dec 22: A problem the Rams cannot seem to fix Dec 15: Blip or Trend? Rams have a tackling issue. The trend came to a screeching halt last week in Carolina. Itâs a stark difference from their recent games: WC at Panthers: 5 missed tackles Week 18 vs Cardinals: 9 Week 17 at Falcons: 19 Week 16 at Seahawks: 11 Week 15 vs Lions: 13 Week 14 vs Cardinals: 14 Week 13 at Panthers: 6 Between Weeks 14 and 18 they missed over 13 tackles per game on average. This was one of the best tackling teams in all the NFL for the first half of the season. While itâs encouraging that theyâve flipped the script in the postseason, what in the world changed? 1 – Regression from Nate Landman Landman missed only two tackle attempts in his first seven games as a Ram. Since Week 9 against the New Orleans Saintsâan 11 game stretchâheâs missed 17 tackles and more than one per game. The veteran linebacker isnât responsible for the turnaround against the Panthers. He missed two tackles (40% of LAâs misses) and has eight in his last four games. The Rams still need Landman to be more sure-handed and the sooner this starts the better. 2 – Quentin Lakeâs return is huge We know Quentin Lake is an important player on the defense, especially given his role as a captain. The Rams understand this too and recently rewarded the slot/safety with a contract extension, preventing him from hitting the open free agent market. Lake was absent from Weeks 11 through 18. Although the teamâs tackling problem didnât really hit full force until Week 14, itâs probably not a coincidence that the results improved as soon as Lake returned to the lineup. 3 – Playoffs are best on best Nothing can force turnarounds like the threat of being sent home from the postseason. Winning requires teams to bring their best performances, and it could be a matter of the Rams simply tightening their chin straps. The bottom line is that this is an encouraging sign for the Rams defense moving forward. They must continue to right the trend or they could find themselves on the losing side of a playoff battle.
After the bye, the Colts simply said âbyeâ to winning
I have never really seen anything like it. Given that it has been thirty years since a team started 8-2 and missed the playoffs and I am thirty-seven, it stands to reason why. That is a long time ago, and seven-year-old me wasnât watching much football. We all know the story at this point, but [âŠ] I have never really seen anything like it. Given that it has been thirty years since a team started 8-2 and missed the playoffs and I am thirty-seven, it stands to reason why. That is a long time ago, and seven-year-old me wasnât watching much football. We all know the story at this point, but what are the âwhyâsâ we can point to in order for us to properly digest the massive fall from grace the Indianapolis Colts experienced in the second half? Here are a few thoughts. One of the most obvious reasons is that the competition stiffened: Chiefs, Texans and Jaguars twice, Seahawks, and 49ers. With the exception of the Chiefs, all of those teams made the playoffs. Now, with the exception of the Jaguars, all of those teams are in the divisional round. Beating up on the Titans twice and the Raiders made fans feel good, but it inflated team stats and skewed the optics of how good they really were. Anytime a team loses its starting quarterback, it hurts. No matter how serviceable Philip Rivers was, swapping him for Daniel Jones was a downgrade. That isnât to say Jones wouldnât have gone winless too, but letâs be honest when talking about a five-year-retired player making a comeback versus an established and active player. Injuries to other players had an impact, but which team didnât suffer injuries? Outside of quarterback, other arguments seem moot. Going back to the argument of higher quality opponents, the offense wasnât nearly as efficient in the second half. In the wins, the Colts averaged over 35 points. It started with Pittsburgh but carried over post-bye in which their average sank to 20.7. While understanding a good offense helps the defense, all the blame canât be placed on one side of the ball. In the wins, the defense gave up 19, but after the bye, that rose to 29.4. Like two ships passing in the night but in the wrong direction, the second half of the season was doomed. I am sure there are more Xâs and Oâs others can point to, but the big picture remains clear: a tough schedule meets losing your quarterback which turns into a lack of efficiency on both sides of the ball. It is as simple as that. Does that mean the Colts had to go and lose every game after the bye? Of course not, but it is plain to see why it happened. Expectations were low this season, and the Colts overperformed early on. The law of averages came back around and brought them back to reality. Regardless of the reason, it is still remarkable that the Colts took a break and literally said âbyeâ to winning. See More: Indianapolis Colts Analysis
Divisional Round free agents Las Vegas Raiders should keep tabs on
While the Las Vegas Raiders wonât be participating in the NFL playoffs during the Divisional Round this weekend, the Raiders do have an opportunity to get a look at a few players they should be interested in during free agency. So, letâs dive into one impending free agent from each remaining playoff team to keep [âŠ] While the Las Vegas Raiders wonât be participating in the NFL playoffs during the Divisional Round this weekend, the Raiders do have an opportunity to get a look at a few players they should be interested in during free agency. So, letâs dive into one impending free agent from each remaining playoff team to keep tabs on. Buffalo Bills: G David Edwards 2025 Stats (via Pro Football Focus): 27 pressures allowed (3 sacks), 69.0 run blocking grade Age: 28 (turns 29 in March) Itâs no secret that Las Vegas could use some help in the trenches, especially since Dylan Parhamâs contract is about to expire. Edwards has never been a game-changing offensive lineman, but heâs been consistently solid throughout his career. The seven-year veteran has posted above-average PFF grades every year that heâs recorded more than 250 total snaps. Denver Broncos: CB JaâQuan McMillian 2025 Stats: 56 tackles, 2 INTs (1 TD), 9 PDs, 5 TFLs, 4 sacks Age: 25 (turns 26 in June) The Silver and Black could use someone who can cover the slot, and McMillian ranked tied for sixth among cornerbacks (minimum 95 coverage snaps) with 10.0 coverage snaps per reception allowed in slot coverage this season, per PFF. He also ranked sixth with 0.92 yards per coverage snap on such assignments. The 2022 undrafted free agent can play the run, too, earning a 72.3 PFF run defense grade during the regular season. San Francisco 49ers: WR Jauan Jennings PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – JANUARY 11: Jauan Jennings #15 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball during the second quarter of the NFC Wild Card playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers at Lincoln Financial Field on January 11, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Lauren Leigh Bacho/Getty Images)Getty Images 2025 Stats: 55 catches, 643 yards, 9 TDs Age: 28 (turns 29 in July) To be honest, the 49ers donât have many intriguing free agent options. But the Raidersâ wide receiver room is missing a proven veteran, which Jennings could provide. He is a similar type of receiver to Jack Bech, showing the ability to win from the slot or out wide, and could be a good addition to add some experience to the position group. Seattle Seahawks: S Coby Bryant 2025 Stats: 66 tackles, 4 INTs, 7 PDs, 4 TFLs Age: 26 (turns 27 in March) The Raiders need an upgrade at the free safety spot, and Bryant will be one of the top options in free agency. Heâs been a ballhawk over the last two seasons, recording seven interceptions and 13 passes defended during that timeframe. While the 2022 fourth-round pick did post a career-high 17 missed tackles at a 21.5 percent rate this year, he had just eight misses at 10.5 percent in 2024, per PFF. The latter is closer to the norm for his career. Houston Texans: G Ed Ingram 2025 Stats (via PFF): 24 pressures (4 sacks), 75.6 run-blocking grade Age: 26 (turns 27 in February) While Ingram was considered a bust for the Minnesota Vikings, heâs revived his career in Houston. The LSU product posted a career-high 71.5 PFF grade, which ranked 19th among guards with at least 250 snaps. Plus, heâs still young, which is the type of free agent the Raiders should be targeting this offseason. New England Patriots: S Jaylinn Hawkins FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – JANUARY 04: Jaylinn Hawkins #21 of the New England Patriots intercepts a pass in the end zone in the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Winslow Townson/Getty Images)Getty Images 2025 Stats: 71 tackles, 4 INTs, 6 PDs, 1.5 sacks, 3 TFLs Age: 28 (turns 29 in August) The Patriots are another team that doesnât have many free agents who the Raiders should be interested in, but Hakwins would improve the backend of the defense. Heâs had great ball production this year, and what might be even more intriguing for the Silver and Black is that he only registered eight missed tackles and an 11.4 percent clip during the regular season, per PFF. Also, Hawkins finished the regular season as PFFâs second-highest graded safety against the run with an impressive 87.1 mark. Los Angeles Rams: CB Roger McCreary 2025 Stats: 37 tackles, 1 INT, 2 PDs, 1 TFL, 1 sack Age: 25 (turns 26 in February) McCreary had a down year statistically, but that can be chalked up to playing for two teams (the Tennessee Titans and Rams) and suffering an injury right after getting traded to Los Angeles. Heâs a good nickelback option who can really impact the running game, racking up 19 TFLs in 2023 and 2024 combined. Last season, the former second-round pick ranked 15th among qualifying corners in yards per coverage snap (1.04) when covering the slot, according to PFF. Chicago Bears: S Jaquan Brisker 2025 Stats: 93 tackles, 1 INT, 8 PDs, 1 sack, 1 TFL Age: 26 (turns 27 in April) Versatility might be Briskerâs biggest selling point in Las Vegas, as heâs recorded an identical number of snaps at strong and free safety during his career: 1,238 to 1,205, respectively. The 2022 second-round pick is also a good tackler, finishing in the top 20 among safeties with 21 âdefensive stopsâ while ranking 14th with a 6.9 percent missed tackle rate, per PFF. See More: Las Vegas Raiders Free Agency
2026 NFL Draft: Team needs for all 32 NFL teams
Using PFF grades and team-level data to identify the most pressing roster needs for all 32 teams heading into the offseason. 2026 NFL Draft: Team needs for all 32 NFL teams The Dallas Cowboys need running back help: Signing Javonte Williams to a one-year deal proved to be one of the Cowboysâ most effective moves last offseason. Williams earned a career-best PFF rushing grade (81.7), and his 3.56 yards after contact per attempt ranked fourth among qualifying running backs. Re-signing the 25-year-old would be a logical move, but if Williams tests free agency, Dallas will need to explore alternative options and add depth to the backfield. The New York Giants need offensive line reinforcements: Outside of Andrew Thomas, who earned a 90.3 PFF grade, the Giants experienced inconsistency across the offensive line. While multiple positions could be upgraded, right tackle stands out as a priority with Jermaine Eluemunor set to enter free agency. 2026 NFL Draft season is here: Try the best-in-class PFF Mock Draft Simulator and learn about 2026’s top prospects while trading and drafting for your favorite NFL team. đ Draft Season 2026 Prepare for the 2026 NFL Draft with PFF+ Your complete draft preparation toolkit Subscribe With the NFL playoffs underway, some teams still have a chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy while others have already shifted their focus to the offseason. But regardless of where a franchise falls, now is the time to take stock of roster construction and identify team needs ahead of the offseason. Click here to jump to a team ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF | SEA | TB | TEN | WAS Arizona Cardinals Positions of need: QB, RB, G, T While the future of Kyler Murray remains a major question in Arizona, the Cardinalsâ rushing attack also requires serious attention. After ranking seventh in EPA per rush on designed runs in 2024, Arizona fell to 30th this season. Issues up front played a significant role, as the combination of Jonah Williams (56.9 PFF run-blocking grade) and Kelvin Beachum (48.9) left the right tackle position undermanned. With both players set to enter free agency, upgrading the tackle spot will be a priority this offseason. Atlanta Falcons Positions of need: WR, TE, DI, CB A late-season injury to Drake London left the Falcons with limited options in the receiving corps. Kyle Pitts stepped into a larger role as the teamâs top target, a performance that helped him earn second-team PFF All-Pro honors. With Pitts entering free agency â and a possible extension looming â adding pass-catching depth will be an essential part of Michael Penix Jr.âs development. Complicating matters, Darnell Mooney is set to carry an $18.4 million cap hit after earning a 52.5 PFF grade that ranked 97th among 99 qualifying wide receivers, making his future a key decision this offseason. Baltimore Ravens Positions of need: WR, G, DL The season-ending neck injury to Nnamdi Madubuike and the trade of Odafe Oweh left the Ravensâ pass rush in a precarious position. Baltimore finished in the bottom four of the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade (62.1), pressure rate (32.1%) and pass-rush win rate (36.9%). It is a concern when a 340-pound run-stuffing interior defender like Travis Jones leads the team in pressures. With rookie edge rusher Mike Green earning just a 46.3 PFF grade that fell short of expectations and Madubuikeâs health for next season uncertain, reinvesting in the pass rush will be a priority this offseason. Buffalo Bills Positions of need: WR, ED, LB, DB The Bills stood pat at wide receiver last offseason, opting to trust the development of second-year wideout Keon Coleman rather than make a significant investment. Discipline and efficiency issues resulted in Coleman being a healthy scratch multiple times during the season, and injuries only compounded the problem. As a result, the position became a revolving door, with Khalil Shakir the only Bills receiver to earn a PFF receiving grade above 65.0 during the regular season. Carolina Panthers Positions of need: WR, DL, LB The Panthers invested heavily along the edge last offseason in an effort to fix the NFLâs lowest-graded pass rush from 2024, but the results were modest at best. Carolina finished the season ranked 31st in PFF pass-rush grade (60.5) and dead last in pressure rate off the edge (15.2%). Injuries to Pat Jones II forced rookies Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen into prominent roles, and while both showed promise, the unit still lacks a consistent veteran presence to stabilize the pass rush. Chicago Bears Positions of need: DL, LB, S Run defense was a persistent issue for the Bears throughout the season. Chicago allowed the most yards before contact on designed runs in the NFL (804), a problem that began up front. The Bearsâ defensive line ranked 31st in PFF run-defense grade (42.2), consistently failing to control gaps. Getting edge defender Dayo Odeyingbo and second-year defensive interior Shemar Turner back from season-ending injuries should help, but adding depth to the defensive line rotation remains critical this offseason. Cincinnati Bengals Positions of need: C, G, DI, S Inconsistent coverage on deep throws plagued the Bengals throughout the season, as they finished as the only NFL team to allow more than 17% of opposing passes to gain at least 15 yards. Safety Geno Stone has struggled at times, ranking in the 23rd percentile in PFF coverage grade (47.2) at the position over the past two seasons. With Stoneâs contract set to expire, upgrading the safety spot is a clear priority to stabilize the secondary moving forward. Cleveland Browns Positions of need: QB, WR, G, T The Browns have six offensive linemen set to enter free agency this offseason, including longtime interior starters Wyatt Teller, Ethan Pocic and Joel Bitonio, with