NFL's Top Teams by Position After Free Agency

As the NFL heads into the draft, evaluating team strengths at each position is crucial. Several teams have emerged as clear leaders in specific areas following the recent free agency period.

Quarterback: Kansas City Chiefs

Mahomes Remains Unrivaled

Despite facing a recent ACL tear, Patrick Mahomes, at 30, remains the most impactful player in the NFL. His ability to control the game is unmatched. The Chiefs also boast a strong offensive line and a developing ground game led by Kenneth Walker III, providing Mahomes with excellent support.

Running Back: Los Angeles Rams

A Dynamic Duo

While several teams have strong lead backs, the Rams stand out with the tandem of Kyren Williams and Blake Corum. Williams rushed for 1,252 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2025, while Corum added 746 yards and six touchdowns. This combination makes them the league’s best backfield.

Wide Receiver: Cincinnati Bengals

Investments Pay Off

The Bengals have heavily invested in their receiving corps, drafting Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase with high picks and extending both players long-term. Chase won the receiving triple crown in 2024, and Higgins remains a significant threat, totaling 846 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns last season.

Tight End: Arizona Cardinals

Trey McBride Leads the Way

Trey McBride led all tight ends in receptions and yardage last season, despite playing with Jacoby Brissett and Kyler Murray. He also has a reliable backup in Elijah Higgins, who contributed 30 receptions in 2025.

Offensive Line: Denver Broncos

A Powerful Unit

The Broncos have built a formidable offensive line under General Manager George Paton. Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey are standout tackles, while Quinn Meinerz and Ben Powers anchor the interior. This unit has allowed Bo Nix to be sacked only 46 times in the last two years, despite a league-leading 612 pass attempts in 2025.

Edge Rushers: Houston Texans

Dominant Pass Rush

The Texans’ duo of Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter form the best edge-rushing tandem in the NFL, combining for 50 sacks over the past two seasons. While Houston may lack an elite defensive tackle, the impact of Anderson and Hunter is undeniable.

Linebacker: San Francisco 49ers

Fred Warner Still Reigns

Fred Warner remains the top linebacker in the game, even as he enters his age-30 season. Despite an injury-shortened 2025 season, his early performance demonstrated his continued dominance. The 49ers also welcomed back Dre Greenlaw, further strengthening their linebacker corps.

Cornerback: Seattle Seahawks

Versatility and Emerging Talent

Devon Witherspoon’s ability to cover receivers from any position makes him a standout. The Seahawks also benefited from the emergence of Josh Jobe, who re-signed with the team.

Safety: Baltimore Ravens

A Three-Safety System

The Ravens have assembled a strong safety trio with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton, 2025 first-round pick Malaki Starks, and free-agent addition Jaylinn Hawkins. New coach Jesse Minter favors a three-safety rotation, and Baltimore now has the personnel to execute it effectively.

Special Teams: Undetermined

Reliable kicker Jason Myers and dangerous returner Rashid Shaheed have provided clutch moments, but a definitive leader in special teams is not currently identified.

This article was written by Matt Verderame and Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated.