The NFC was filled with firepower during the 2025 NFL season, with the eventual Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks coming out on top. The conference will look to crown a new winner in 2026, with the NFL Draft on the horizon.
Each team has their own specific set of needs, and how the draft plays out could have major implications to how next season finishes.
NFL Mocks explores top prospects in the first round who fit the needs of the Giants, Commanders, Cowboys, Eagles, Lions, Vikings, Packers, Bears, Saints, Falcons, Buccaneers, Panthers, Cardinals, 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks based on expected needs this offseason.
2026 NFL Mock Draft: Big swings define NFC East selections
New York Giants (4-13) – Last in NFC East
Round 1, No. 5: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
This pick will certainly draw some eyes, but there's a chance that New York dips back into the Georgia offensive line pool to bolster their offensive front. Freeling finished the NFL Combine with a stellar 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, and his draft projection has climbed from early Day 2 all the way up to the top half of the first round in recent weeks. He's a mammoth of a man who could solidify the Giants' right tackle position and give them a consistent tackle duo as they reshape their offense.
Washington Commanders (5-12) – 3rd in NFC East
Round 1, No. 7: Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
Much has been said about Bain Jr.'s short arms, but he's still every bit of a Top-10 caliber player in this draft class. Washington needs to see an uptick in their pass rush production, and the Hurricanes' star would give them just that at the #7 slot. He picked up 9.5 sacks for the National Championship runner-ups, and has the tape to show he can be a longtime defensive piece for Dan Quinn and company to utilize.
Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1) – 2nd in NFC East
Round 1, No. 11: Anthony Hill Jr., LB, Texas
Another pick that may raise some questions, but with the release of failed trade acquisition Logan Wilson recently, Dallas adding a linebacker early in the draft shouldn't be seen as an impossibility. Another high RAS prospect (9.93), Hill Jr. has all the athletic tools to succeed as a modern linebacker in today's NFL. He could slide into the middle of the Cowboys' defense from Day 1, and has the combination of coverage skills and pass rush ability to become a real weapon for America's Team on short notice.
Round 1, No. 20: Malik Muhammad, CB, Texas
Why not double up on Longhorns? The rapid decline and subsequent departure of former Pro Bowl cornerback Trevon Diggs, as well as injury concerns with DaRon Bland and Shavon Revel Jr., have left the Cowboys with more questions than answers regarding their cornerback room. Another combine standout, he showcased his fluidity and athletic traits in Indianapolis, putting him firmly in first-round consideration. He has good size, technique, and movement skills, making him a potential fit for the new-look Dallas secondary.
Philadelphia Eagles (11-6) – 1st in NFC East
Round 1, No. 23: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Eagles' quest to find a second boundary corner to play alongside Quinyon Mitchell has seen the likes of Kelee Ringo and Adoree' Jackson, among others, try and fail to fill the gap that veteran Darius Slay Jr. left after signing with Pittsburgh following the 2025 NFL season. Defense was far from an issue for Philadelphia in 2026, but General Manager Howie Roseman has never passed up on the chance to acquire high-end talent at a premium position. A draft day fall for Delane would likely be more because of other players raising their stock rather than his truly falling, and he's still the caliber player who could make Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio's scary defense even more terrifying.