And there are a bunch of teams that know that one good draft — maybe even one good pick — could make all the difference in the world in the 2026 season. For some, the draft could turn them into an instant playoff contender. For others, it could put them on a Super Bowl path.

So here’s a look at 10 teams that would benefit the most by nailing their draft class this week. Five of them could go from a losing record right into the playoff race. And five of them could be a threat to win it all.

Potential playoff contenders 5. Washington Commanders2025 record: 5-122026 picks: 1.7, 3.71, 5.147, 6.187, 6.209, 7.223 So many of their problems last season had to do with Jayden Daniels’ injuries. But not all of them.

They were clearly lacking firepower on offense and needed to fix a terrible defense, too. They focused their free agency money on completely rebuilding the defense. If that works, they can get right back in the playoff chase with the right offensive pick.

They desperately need another receiver to pair with 30-year-old Terry McLaurin. They could get one easily with the seventh overall pick. If they decide to go defense there — the Commanders reportedly are high on Ohio State LB Sonny Styles, if he’s still available — they’d have to take a receiver at 71, which is their only other pick in the first three rounds.

If they can get a plug-and-play receiver and another valuable defensive player — a linebacker is fine, but a corner would be better — then it’s a short leap from 5-12 to contention in the NFC, especially if Daniels can stay on the field. 4. Tennessee Titans2025 record: 3-142026 picks: 1.4, 2.35, 3.66, 4.101, 5.142, 5.144, 6.184, 6.194, 7.225 They’ve got a new coach and an offensive coordinator who should be really good for quarterback Cam Ward. They also gave him a new weapon (receiver Wan’Dale Robinson), beefed up the offensive line and restocked the pass rush and defense for head coach Robert Saleh.

So they are already much improved, but it’s still a big leap from 3-14 to the playoffs. And they could use more offensive playmakers — receiver and running back — and a little more defensive help on the edge. They could find either with the No. 4 overall pick, where they could be eyeing Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love if he gets past the Cardinals at No. 3.

If they do that, and add an edge rusher and a receiver with their next two picks (Nos. 34 and 66), they’ll have addressed all their biggest needs. Making the playoffs will still be an uphill climb in a suddenly stacked division. But they’ll have the talent in place, at least, to give it a run. 3.

New York Giants2025 record: 4-132026 picks: 1.5, 1.10, 2.37, 4.105, 5.145, 6.186, 6.192, 6.193 They are on the verge of a breakthrough anyway with young quarterback Jaxson Dart and new coach John Harbaugh. But they still have a ton of holes to fill. They need plenty of help on defense, especially after trading defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, and another weapon on offense would be a big help, too.

But they now have two top-10 picks (Nos. 5 and 10) after the Lawrence trade, and a high second-rounder (37), too. That gives them a shot at three players who should step right in and help. They could add one of the two best receivers in the draft to pair with Malik Nabers and maybe a top safety or linebacker to strengthen the middle of their defense.

And there figures to be some gifted defensive tackles available to fill Lawrence’s spot early in the second round. They need more talent overall, especially on defense, to make a really big leap. But they were 4-13 in a weak division last season.

Strengthen their defense and add a little explosion to their offense, and they won’t challenge the Eagles, but a wild card is within reach. 2. New Orleans Saints2025 record: 6-112026 picks: 1.8, 2.42, 3.73, 4.132, 4.136, 5.150, 5.172, 6.190 Kellen Moore already has them headed in the right direction with promising young quarterback Tyler Shough. They even improved their offensive line (with guard David Edwards) and added another running back (Travis Etienne) to help out the aging Alvin Kamara.

Now imagine how good the offense could be if they got another target for Shough — a receiver to take a little of the pressure off the underrated Chris Olave. That might be enough to boost their 6-11 record, and they don’t need much in a division that was won by the 8-9 Panthers last year. They could also use some help along the defensive line, where they don’t have much beyond Chase Young (10 sacks), especially if they don’t eventually re-sign 36-year-old Cam Jordan (10.5 sacks).

But they had a top-10 defense last season. They could fill either need with the No. 8 pick, and can fill both with three picks in the top 75. 1. Dallas Cowboys2025 record: 7-9-12026 p