Written by Ron Marmalefsky @ronacesports
BALTIMORE: 8-9, rare 30-45 sack ratio, usual solid rush attack and special team unit
How they ended 2025: If Tyler Loop makes that kick to beat Pittsburgh the Ravens HOST a playoff game, and most definitely become dangerous. Instead, John Harbaugh is out and the team sees their 1st remake in quite some time. Going 2-4 down the stretch included a trio of close losses, as that, coupled with their tendency to blow early leads had to be a factor in the
changeover. We now see more roster holes than usual, so this will be interesting to watch, in a division that is in transition.My take on the 2026 coaching staff: I’m okay with Jesse Minter getting this opportunity, but will he bring the same attention to detail that Harbaugh did, especially as it relates to the entire special team unit? They lose their lead special team coach, but the assistant takes over. OC Declan Doyle may be decent, but replacing Todd Monken won’t be easy. I’m happy to see former DC Zach Orr go. Anthony Weaver “may” be an upgrade, as his best trait was on this side of the ball.
How was the 2025 draft class? As per usual, Baltimore drafted for volume. I called this draft solid, varied, and one that met most needs, but it was not spectacular. I, like others, had the Mike Green pick as polarizing. He had a so-so rookie season. I thought they misfired along the OL. In my draft recap, safety Starks was listed as the best pick. He delivered. So did my
sleeper pick (someone I choose from each team’s 3rd day picks) of Teddye Buchanan, who had 85 tackles in 14 games played.
Draft needs – 2026: WR, IOL, DT, safety, TE youth, #2 QB. Zay Flowers clearly needs a tall running mate. The OL is down one and LT Stanley is slowing down. DT and safety are down a notch. Two TE’s left in free agency. QB Huntley does not excite me.
BUFFALO: 12-5, 36-40 sack ratio, subpar run defense, top tier pass defense, as expected, +24 turnover ratio decreased (+1)How they ended 2025:
Buffalo had more flaws than usual in the regular season, but optimism was clearly present with the Bills winning five of their final six games. Unfortunately, the look on Josh Allen’s face after another bitter playoff loss spoke
volumes. Like in Baltimore, the Bills fired a winning coach. The goal is never just the playoffs. The Bills are looking hard at restructuring the 2026 roster. If successful, the window for success will not be closed.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: I wasn’t a big fan of Sean McDermitt, but I’m also not sure if Joe Brady can run an entire organization. Brady and OC Pete Carmichael should keep the offense rolling. I like the hire of DC Jim Leonhard. While NOT a sure thing, his varied, patient realm of experience could serve him well. Buffalo is the 4th team in a row with a new special team coordinator (12 in total). The new guy had plenty of experience in Arizona. GM Brandon Beane is generally solid.
How was the 2025 draft class? I asked the Bills to be more aggressive in this draft. They traded up twice on the 2nd day. My top, and only two bolded needs were hit right away. I had differences later on, but I liked the early focus. Maxwell Hairston had modest stats, but the secondary was already well-stocked. DT Sanders also had modest stats, and needs to make a
difference in year two, as Buffalo had massive issues defending the run. My sleeper selection was DT Walker, who had a better stat sheet than Sanders did, and is listed as a starter now right along with Sanders. The rest of the draft yielded filler types, and perhaps no down the road starters, although Jackson Hawes offered some value as TE3.
Draft needs – 2026: 2 OL, run stoppers, WR, young edge rusher, LB youth, safety. Josh Allen needs better protection. The run defense was a liability all year. The WR room lacks consistency. Sacks were down a year ago.
CINCINNATI: 6-11, 5.2 per carry run defense
How they ended 2025: Joe Burrow returned to play the last six games, but it was too little, too late for the Bengals. He was fantastic (9-1 ratio last three games), but recent poor drafting was evident in most of their defensive stat sheet. With massive changes occurring in Baltimore and in Pittsburgh, an opportunity exists for a resurgence in 2026.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Al Golden is in his 2nd season as DC as the staff remains intact. His 1st season showed stats that were no different from the past. Only two special team coordinators have been in their same job since 2021. KCs was hired in 2013. Cincinnati? Darrin Simmons was hired in 2003. Simply amazing (and he’s done a decent job).
How was the 2025 draft class? Despite having the smallest scouting department (frugal), the Bengals had been at least a top 10-15 drafting team for about a decade. The past three years have been rough. I isolated four teams with POOR drafts in 2025, and Cincy was one of them. Cincy rolled the dice with 17th overall pick Shemar Stewart, a physical specimen with 5thround NCAA stats. He had 11 tackles and one sack in eight games played. Their best pick (in my opinion) was LB Knight, who delivered with 106 tackles. In a surprise, fellow LB Barrett had 102 tackles. He made no impact plays and didn’t help vs. the run, but I’m impressed with his rookie season. OG Fairchild started, but Cincy had OL holes and that was not unexpected. I’m still not enamored with this draft class, but it may not have been a bottom four class based on 2025 performance.
Draft needs – 2026: Edge rushers, safety, CB, OL. Edge is by far the biggest need. Who plays free safety?
CLEVELAND: 5-12, 53-51 sack ratio, poor kick and punt return defense
How they ended 2025: Rookie QB Sanders was the talk of the 2025 draft, and to his credit, he was competitive down the
stretch. His overall stat sheet was very “rookie-like”, but he made some plays. Turnovers did spike late in the year. Miles Garrett was special, but the defense let down at times, and the offense had very little consistency. Cleveland had but three games where they scored over 20 points. Still, like with Cincy, the Division is undergoing massive change, so there is hope.My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Todd Monken is the new Head Coach. With divisional ties, this will be interesting, plus he’s offensive-minded. Mike Rutenberg is the new DC. He has 13 years of NFL experience but his pedigree worries me and this could be at least an initial downgrade from Jim Schwartz. Cleveland needed a new special team coordinator, but the new guy comes from Green Bay (assistant), a team who has lived at the bottom of special team play for years.
How was the 2025 draft class? Cleveland’s draft team fancies itself as analytical, yet they drafted non-traditional positions such as RB (2), LB, DT, and TE, plus two lower rated QBs. The grades were all over the place, 2nd overall to 30th
. In an alternate universe I think the draft team approaches things differently. My ratings were pretty good, but positions drafted were
wrong. Mason Graham is good and I had no issue with this pick. Taking two RBs was at least one too many. I liked Sampson, but so far, he’s a miss on my part (2.7 per carry). I LOVED TE Fannin. He delivered, so why not use your other picks on more traditional positions. QB Gabriel is not a fit for a cold weather team (stat sheet was not surprising). QB Sanders will get a shot to win the job. He is sack prone and had a low rookie %, but Monken could raise his game. LB Schwesinger won defensive player of the year! What an interesting draft.
Draft needs – 2026: WR, OT, DB, RB, QB decision, #2 TE. I don’t like the WR room. Cleveland has added five OL through free agency, but LT still worries me. RB Junkins (3.7 per carry) is off injury and the room is thin. QB will be a fascinating watch.
DENVER: 14-3, +90 point ratio, 68-23 sack ratio, 57.8% pass defense, bottom tier return defense
How they ended 2025: Denver earned the #1 seed by virtue of a suffocating defense and stout OL play. Many wins were not pretty, but it was hard to move the ball vs. them, and QB Nix made many solid decisions. His injury prior to the AFC title game was unfortunate. The next step: Finding a bit more firepower offensively so that they can open up the playbook.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Sean Payton is excellent. In 2026 he is turning over the play calling to promising OC Davis Webb. I wonder if Payton can stay away. Vance Joseph has been excellent as DC. Denver made a special team coordinator change in ’25 as Payton brought in his former buddy, Darren Rizzi. The previous guy was great. 2025 was not very good.How was the 2025 draft class? Payton is always hands-on during draft day, and that’s not always a good thing. Those I trust were in agreement that there were higher rated RBs over Harvey and higher rated WRs over Bryant, both day two picks.
Harvey has home run ability, but ran just 3.7 per carry as a rookie. Bryant caught 31 passes, but was over-drafted. Most
people liked CB Barron, and the 1st round pick was “ok”, but the DB room was already loaded. Denver didn’t get anything out of other early picks (3rd/4th round), one of which I felt was way over-drafted. I’ll keep my C+ grade.
Draft needs – 2026: DE, LB, IOL, safety depth. Denver was inactive in free agency, so there are some holes to fill. Although for this team, the holes are hardly earth-shattering.
HOUSTON: 12-5, 59.3% pass defense, 47-31 sack ratio
How they ended 2025: Houston started 0-3, and also lost QB Stroud due to injury. They finished 9-0, with QB Mills leading the way in the 1st three games. Exceptional defensively, the offense was hurt by lower tier RB play, and an injury to lead WR
Sutton, which contributed to their playoff loss. Houston becomes dangerous if the offense adds more firepower/creativity.My take on the 2026 coaching staff: I’m a big fan of Head Coach Ryans. Nick Calley took over as OC in 2025. I was surprised at the hire then (the previous OC was great in 2023, and fired after 2024), and for now, Caley needs to show me he’s the right guy for the job. I do understand that parts of the offense are below playoff standards, so the draft team has to pitch in.
How was the 2025 draft class? OL, TE and a higher rated DT were my concerns from this draft class, which saw the GM make seven trades, yet ending up with around the same draft capital as he started with. The WR additions were fine, and LT Ersery is a competent player on an OL that needs a bit more help. The DB selections were buried on the depth chart. I had far lower grades on both players (drafted in 3rd, 6th round). I was a fan of RB Marks in college, but felt he had more of a complementary style, along with his massive pass catching experience. By necessity he had an even bigger role, with modest results.
Draft needs – 2026: OL starter, DT, LB depth. Houston added OL in free agency, but was it enough? There’s room to fortify the DL and LB spots. This list isn’t long, because there’s at least competent talent most everywhere on the roster.
INDY: 8-9, +54 point ratio, 29 sacks allowed, solid run defense
How they ended 2025: Indy’s bye week was 11/16. Standing at 8-1, they did not win another game! Daniel Jones was present for 2 1/3 of those games, and was in a slump at this point, but things got worse once he went down with injury. Several games were close losses, as ageless Philip Rivers was fun to watch, but the Colts went out with a whimper. Hidden fact: Six of the seven losses were to playoff teams, with the other loss to KC. Daniel Jones hopes to be 100% by opening day.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: No changes were made to the staff. I’m neutral on Head Coach Steve Steichen, and a bit bullish on OC Jim Bob Cooter (Steichen calls the plays). 2nd year DC Lou Anarumo didn’t fix the infamous “cover-zero defense”, but there was some improvement. With Sauce Gardner here for the entire season, maybe further improvement is possible. I dislike GM Ballard. He drafts complementary defensive players with little cover skill sets, and reaches for players such as QB Anthony Richardson. This ISN’T hindsight. Richardson had 11 NCAA starts and no accuracy. Ballard bought time with the pick.How was the 2025 draft class? This was a better draft for Indy, with a little more emphasis on production instead of potential. As I would have done, Indy raced to the podium to get TE Warren. That was a no-brainer pick. I was fine with DE Tuimoleau, who had a modest at best rookie year. We didn’t see much from the other draft choices, with back-up QB Leonard pressed into action, but then passed over for Rivers. I only gave the class a C+, and Indy will need more than just Warren to step up.
Draft needs – 2026: MLB. 1-2 WR’s, safety, OL (RT?), DE, CB depth, #2 TE. The roster still has holes. Zaire-Franklin is gone. There’s no safety to replace Nick Cross. Braden Smith is gone. DE has only modest talent.
JACKSONVILLE: 13-4, 32-41 sack ratio, solid defensive stats otherwise, special team offense stout
How they ended 2025: 5-4 became 13-4 as the Jags won their last eight. Sitting at a 12-26 sack ratio, the #’s were 20-15 during the win streak. The run D also was dominant down the stretch, and the Jags finished with a turnover ratio of +13, intercepting 22 passes. The trade deadline saw them add WR Jacobi Myers. As I noted in the podcast the next week, what a great addition. My take on the 2026 coaching staff: I honestly did not expect “nomad” Liam Coen to hit the ground running in year #1. He’s been a good offensive mind in the NFL and in college, but has never been in one place for any length of time. Somehow, he wore all his hats quite well. Anthony Campanile deserves a ton of credit as the new DC. Finally, Coen only took the job (after he, and everyone else declined) when GM Baalke was let go. Baalke was the worst GM I’ve ever seen. Addition by subtraction.How was the 2025 draft class? After drafting an unprecedented 17 players with NOT DRAFT WORTHY grades over 2022-2024, the 1st draft under James Gladstone had all NFL-rated players (average is 1.7 per team without NFL-worthy grades). The Jags wanted to make a splash, and did so with the trade up for Travis Hunter. Hopefully, he’ll be a solid NFL player but I said then (and say now) that this was an overpayment. The OL additions sat as expected. RB Tuten made noise in the return game and will be a part of the new RB rotation. The defensive draftees also sat. This wasn’t a splash draft, but it did add roster depth.
Draft needs – 2026: Two OL upgrades. MLB. Real TE. DL/DL depth. RB, QB2, WR, DB. Years of poor drafting means we still have roster holes. The OL is below par. LB Lyoyd retired. DL and RB are somewhat incomplete. Nick Mullins is the backup QB.
KANSAS CITY: 6-11, +34 point differential, 1-7 road games, 66.8% pass defense, 35-47 sack ratio
How they ended 2025: 2025 wasn’t the norm. KC was 6-5, but lost their last six games, and played without Mahomes in the last three. Six of their last eight games were decided three points or less, and in a change from 2024, KC was 1-5 in those
games. KC will be making changes (RB, RT, DB) for 2026 in the hope that they can return to the top of the AFC.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Andy Reid is top tier, and reunites with Eric Bieniemy as someone who might light a fire under the offense. The rest of the staff, and the GM have been loyal for years, forming one of the best NFL hierarchies.
How was the 2025 draft class? My rating was decent, but not as high as the NFL consensus. LT Simmons was a steal at pick 32. DE Gillotte contributed. DT Norman-Lott barely played, then tore his ACL. I gave him a 4th-5th round grade, so taking him in the 2nd round was not ideal. CB Williams was the only other draftee that made an impact, but the class does show potential.
Draft needs – 2026: 3 DB’s, edge, and DL youth as well, RT. DB is a MASSIVE need. A DL youth movement is essential. Chris Jones needs a stout pass rushing running mate. A new RT must be found.
LAS VEGAS: 3-14, 68.5% pass defense, 64 sacks allowed, rock bottom run offense, poor return defense
How they ended 2025: Vegas was generally non-competitive all season long. Pete Carroll wanted desperately to return to the NFL, but this was not the right fit. Chip Kelly and the NFL do not mix. It’s time to press the reset button in a big way for 2026.My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Klint Kubiak had a masterful Super Bowl game plan and might be the right fit here once the roster takes shape. Rob Leonard was promoted to DC. He has about 13 years of NFL experience but no Wiki page! Joe DeCamillis has recently been in the college ranks but as NFL fans know, he has 30+ years of NFL special team experience.
Hopefully he can fix recent special team woes. John Spytek is in his 2nd year as GM. Coming from Tampa, he has a more
modest approach to the draft.
How was the 2025 draft class? 6th rated by the NFL composite, and about 10th for me, perhaps we all overvalued this class, at least for now. I had no 40 time on RB Jeanty. He may be special once the roster improves, but 2025 wasn’t very good. WR Bech is massively team oriented, but also a massive reach as a 2nd rounder. Vegas added two down the roster WRs, and also added two 3rd round OL, one of which I thought had value. We’ll see if they move up the depth chart soon. Only CB Porter shows promise after that, with most of the late round picks complete throwaways. This class should have been better.
Draft needs – 2026: QB, WR. DB, OL, better DE, possibly DT. QB and WR are massive needs. So is DB, with three of five
starters not at true NFL levels. The OL has some stars but holes at two spots. Tyree Wilson has been a disappointment.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: 11-6, top five pass D%, 60 sacks allowed, issues with the return defense
How they ended 2025: The game 16 loss to Houston pretty much sealed their fate, so LA rested its starters in the finale at Denver. Once again, the playoffs saw a quick exit. With that said, LA went 4-0 after the bye week until game 16, and I believe the glass remains half full. Both OTs missed essentially the whole season. Their rookie RB missed half the season. Other
injuries cost them games on the interior OL, TE, pass rusher and LB. LA enters 2026 with more than just playoffs on their mind. My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Jim Harbaugh does things his way, but is an elite coach, molding his team to his unique scheme specifications. That’s why others have a tough time evaluating his draft classes. In a departure from form, the new OC is former Dolphin’s Head Coach Mike McDaniel. This could be a home run, but we’ll see. LA suffered a loss when Jesse Minter became Baltimore’s Head Coach. New DC Chris O’Leary is 34 yeas old, and only worked in the NFL one year, in 2024 here as the safeties coach. This will be a must-watch area. I think the special team coach is solid, despite 2025 defensive woes. The draft team is one of my favorites.
How was the 2025 draft class? The NFL composite draft grade was 23rd. THEY WERE WRONG. I gave them a top three grade, so let’s examine. RB Hampton is the real deal and a great scheme fit. WR Harris caught 30 passes and looks the part. DT
Caldwell was over-drafted but I understand, as he fit a vital need area. He starts! Edge rusher Kennard was hurt (five games played). I listed TE Gadsden as someone 24 other teams should have drafted. He was a 5th round STEAL. Two of four others added depth, while 6th round safety Mickens (5TH round grade for me) had 25 tackles in 12 games played. EXQUISITE!
Draft needs – 2026: Interior OL, DL, CB to challenge Tarheeb Still, LB. The OL gets back two stud OT’s, but needs more. One more DL run-stopper is important. LB Colson hasn’t stayed healthy and the unit could use one more challenger.
MIAMI: 7-10, dead last 72% pass defense, 4.7-4.8 per carry rush ratio
How they ended 2025: Miami shut down Tua after game #14. They’ll take a huge cap hit, but he was just too fragile and too error-prone. Rookie QB Ewers went 50-75 down the stretch and will be in the QB conversation with newly acquired Malik Willis. The star was RB Achane but a four-game win streak that began 11/9 was not enough to get the Dolphins into playoff contention. Miami finished with a bottom five Power Number and enters 2026 with a bottom five roster. Tank or try?My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Jeff Hafley was mediocre at Boston College (maybe not his fault) and decent as Green Bay’s DC. I’m not jumping for joy at this hire, but it shouldn’t be a disaster. I like Bobby Slowik, who I thought was ousted too fast as Houston’s OC. Sean Duggan is the new DC. He’s just 32 years old, but has been with Hafley at his latest stops. This is a massive step up in responsibility. Buffalo’s special team coordinator is now here. Jon-Eric Sullivan is the new GM. I was
thrilled that the old GM was fired (my draft grades had been near rock bottom). He spent 22 years with GB. If that experience rubbed off on him, look for Miami to draft more in quantity moving forward.
How was the 2025 draft class? I rated this class a C-, higher than the national composite (30th) and higher than my previous Miami grades. The Dolphins drafted three along the DL and the early results are promising. They drafted two DB’s and both contributed, perhaps more out of necessity (I don’t see them as future starters). RB Gordan ran just 2.85 per carry. They like him more than I do. OG Savaiinaea started as expected and should be fine. QB Ewers has flaws but can be an NFL backup.
Draft needs – 2026: 100 WR’s, three DB’s, OC and RG, TE, OLB/LB depth, DE, 2027 QB. This is the worst NFL WR room. Miami allowed 72% VIA THE PASS. The OL is weak. TE is old and fragile. Two of four LB’s could be upgraded. QB can wait.
NEW ENGLAND: 14-3, 8-0 road games, 320 points allowed (4th), 66.4% pass defense, 35-48 sack ratio
How they ended 2025: New England lost 35-31 hosting Buffalo on 12/21 but rebounded to win at Baltimore and closed out the regular season 3-0. Drake Maye excelled. Yes, the sack ratio was poor for the season, but the ratio was 15-14 the final eight games of the year. The run defense regressed late in the year, and of course, they had issues in the Super Bowl. Still, 2025 was an unequivocal success, and more could be expected in the future.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Four factors contributed to 2025 success. The schedule, winning (by far) free agency, the draft (see below), and the big uptick with the coaching changes. Head Coach Vrabel was certainly an upgrade, as was the return of OC Josh McDaniels. Zak Kuhr took a major leap in responsibility to become the DC in 2025. He was with Vrabel in Tennessee in a minor role. Obviously, Vrable gives him input on this side of the ball. GM Eliot Wolf had an electric 2025. How was the 2025 draft class? This class received the #1 NFL composite grade nationally, and a top three grade by me. Much has been said about the struggle for LT Will Campbell, but he, along with fellow rookie OL Jared Wilson actually had decent debuts. RB Henderson showed flashes (5.1 per carry) and could do even more. WR Williams was used on deep throws but has a low ceiling. DE Farmer saw modest action. Safety Woodson had 75 tackles in a surprising debut (I rated him, but not as a 4throunder). PK Borregales was fine. The trio of 7th round picks were all rated NR (not NFL worthy). The long snapper started.
Draft needs – 2026: 2 WR’s, front seven pass rushers, right side OL and center, TE, DB. They added WR Doubs but need more. Despite the soft schedule, NE had just 35 sacks last year. The OL is not yet complete. TE Henry is aging, and depth is missing.
NYJ: 3-14, 0-6 in the AFC East, last in point differential (-203), 26-60 sack ratio, outstanding special team defense (again). To make matters worse, the NYJ recorded zero defensive interceptions. Teams threw 515 passes vs. them. Simply amazing.
How they ended 2025: The December/January offense was anemic. They scored 24 points in games 15-17, throwing for a grand total of 400 yards. Not listed above is their turnover ratio, which closed at -19. Without WR Wilson, no player was
feared offensively. Two solid starters, including CB Sauce Gardner were traded mid-season, which didn’t help matters.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Aaron Glenn looked and sounded lost all season. He had no clue how to run the offense. The new OC is Frank Reich. I’m all for a change, but why Reich? I do not like the move. Brian Duker is the new DC. Just 36 years old, this is his 6th team. I feel he’s untested, but Glenn has defensive experience. The Jets have consistently played well on special teams and retain their coordinator. GM Mougey starts his 2nd year. He’s an improvement over past NYJ GMs.
How was the 2025 draft class? While I wasn’t a fan of WR Arian Smith (and still not a fan), the other offensive additions of RT Membou and TE Taylor were solid, as expected. The Jets drafted two DBs early (rounds 3-4). Both contributed, with Malichi Moore one I liked coming into 2025 and he produced 95 tackles. In my Still Left to do column, I listed WR and DT as misses on their part. That turned out to be accurate, but at least this GM got them some talent, and even some depth for the roster.
Draft needs – 2026: QB, 2 sackers, WR’s, CB, RG, LB, TE2. QB could wait, but not the pass rush (26 sacks last year) or CB (zero picks). Both 2025 starting guards are gone.
PITTSBURGH: 10-7, 48-31 sack ratio, +12 turnover ratio
How they ended 2025: Consistently overlooked, Pitt went 4-1 down the stretch, three in upset fashion. Aaron Rodgers was solid, with virtually no WR’s with talent at his disposal. Ownership urgency is evident, as the playoff win draught is a thorn in their side. As I’ve said for years, more offensive creativity (through the draft) is needed. We’ll see if they agree.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: People mock Mike Tomlin for his winning record, but no playoff wins, but the stuck in purgatory Steelers likely win two games more per year thanks to his expertise. I’ll miss him, as while others I respect couldn’t figure them out, long term consistency in approach led to my 9-1 ATS record last year, and 30-8 recently. Making sure there are at least three Head Coaches named Mike in the NFL at all times, Mike McCarthy was hired. He’s been a good offensiveminded coach. Veteran DC Patrick Graham takes over defensively. Veteran Danny Crossman (Miami) is the new special team coordinator. GM Omar Khan is decent, and had one recent dynamite draft, but some areas do not get properly addressed. How was the 2025 draft class? This was an average draft class, one missing a WR, which was utterly unacceptable. DT Harman should be a decent starter. RB Kaleb Johnson was a rookie flop. Two of three front seven draftees added depth and LB Sawyer might end up starting down the road. QB Will Howard will eventually get an opportunity, but comes with no guarantee.
Draft needs – 2026: CB and/or DB, run stopper, LO, LB youth, WR. The positions have talent but each area could add a starter.
TENNESSEE: 3-14, 68.9% pass defense, 56 sacks allowed, some decent special team play
How they ended 2025: Tennessee won two of five down the stretch but any progress was not all that measurable. They did allow just eight sacks in their final five games while securing 12 of their own. With that said, points allowed did not come down, as they allowed 30 per game down the stretch. The rebuild is in phase one.
My take on the 2026 coaching staff: Robert Salah is the new Head Coach. His tenure with the Jets didn’t go well but I’m okay giving him a 2nd opportunity. Speaking of 2nd opportunities, fired Head Coach Brian Daball (NYG) is the new OC. It’s probably an upgrade over last year, but by how much? Gus Bradley is the new DC, yet another former Head Coach. In a nutshell, his last three stints as a DC (2017-2024) didn’t go all that well. I’ll watch his progress closely. I like special team coordinator John Fassal. This is GM Mike Borgonzi’s second season. I’d like to see a better effort this time around.
How was the 2025 draft class? There has NEVER been a more forgotten 1st pick of the draft than QB Cam Ward.
Overshadowed by ESPN (and other’s) incessant Shedeur Sanders talk, Ward wasn’t even discussed much during the season. If they can build a roster around him, I think he has decent upside (59%, just seven interceptions). Edge rusher Oladejo was over-drafted but had some stats (13 tackles in six games) and may be slated to start in 2026, ready or not. So is CB Winston, who was properly drafted to an area of need. I thought the two WR’s were modest picks. On this WR needy team they not only combined for 89 receptions, but Dike was electric on returns. TE Helm is a short area pass catcher (44). All picks made the team, so my average draft grade (NFL composite also average) might be a tad low, especially if Ward progresses.
Draft needs – 2026: Feature WR, CB, OT/center, DT, edge rusher, LB, TE1, RB decisions. Despite adding about 16 players, I still show some impactful needs for the Titans. WR is obvious. Two starting CB’s left, and those added are filler types. The OL allowed 56 sacks a year ago and no impact was added. DT looks average, as does edge and LB. Upgrades are possible for all these spots. They could easily sit on what they have at TE or go for impact. Do they stay with Pollard or draft RB Love?
