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The NFL Draft has infused all 32 franchises with new talent. Teams have made surprising picks, executed big trades, and, in several cases, maximized their opportunities.
The biggest question—one that won’t be answered for some time—is simple: which team improved the most? After two days, NFL Network has an early answer, evaluating performance through the first three rounds.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks Rounds 1 through 3
NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche identified his five most improved teams in the draft so far. Here they are:
Apr 24, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Spencer Fano, left, and KC Concepcion hold their new jerseys during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Wyche highlights one key reality about the Browns: the bar was low—so low they had nowhere to go but up.
Cleveland took advantage of that opportunity by making two strong selections at wide receiver. The additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have quickly turned a weakness into a respectable position group.
MORE: 3 biggest surprises of NFL draft day-two selections
The Browns also addressed their offensive line, though those picks remain polarizing. The question now is whether they truly maximized their draft capital.
Apr 24, 2026; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets Draft pick, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jess Stiles-Imagn Images
Like the Browns, the Jets started from a low baseline—but they responded in a big way.
They made three first-round picks and landed an elite athlete in cornerback D’Angelo Ponds in the second round.
MORE: 5 Day 2 picks that could already be heavy contributors
The Jets didn’t just fix their struggling offense—they also reloaded an already talented defense. They may have taken a significant step forward.
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh waves to the fans in the first quarter of the game between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
The Giants made defense their priority. After trading away their All-Pro defensive tackle, they entered the draft with two top-10 picks.
They used those picks to secure high-end defensive talent while also upgrading their wide receiver group and strengthening the offensive line. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the team has shown a clear direction—and early results reflect that.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft star Jermod McCoy could face career-threatening surgery
Could New York now have two teams worth getting excited about?
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) celebrates with Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and safety Jalen Pitre (5) after returning a fumble for a touchdown during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Texans entered the draft focused on improving their offensive line—and addressed it immediately by selecting Keylan Rutledge in the first round.
They followed that move by landing one of the draft’s biggest steals in the second round: defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. They then added another weapon at tight end.
MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order for Day 3 – Rounds 3 through 7
Houston strengthened its defensive front, improved protection for C.J. Stroud, and gave him an additional target. The question now is whether these moves will translate into a deeper postseason run.
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 20 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Eagles didn’t just draft well—they also made a major move in the trade market. On Day 2, they acquired EDGE rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for two third-round picks.
They continued to build by stealing Makai Lemon from a division rival, adding a standout tight end, and selecting a massive offensive tackle who could develop into a future starter.
MORE: Eagles draft A.J. Brown replacement ahead of expected trade
After a strong overall draft process, the Eagles look poised to make another Super Bowl push.
Continue reading...
The biggest question—one that won’t be answered for some time—is simple: which team improved the most? After two days, NFL Network has an early answer, evaluating performance through the first three rounds.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft results, full list of picks Rounds 1 through 3
NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche identified his five most improved teams in the draft so far. Here they are:
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Apr 24, 2026; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Spencer Fano, left, and KC Concepcion hold their new jerseys during an introductory press conference at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland Browns
Wyche highlights one key reality about the Browns: the bar was low—so low they had nowhere to go but up.
Cleveland took advantage of that opportunity by making two strong selections at wide receiver. The additions of KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston have quickly turned a weakness into a respectable position group.
MORE: 3 biggest surprises of NFL draft day-two selections
The Browns also addressed their offensive line, though those picks remain polarizing. The question now is whether they truly maximized their draft capital.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 24, 2026; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets Draft pick, wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Jess Stiles-Imagn Images
New York Jets
Like the Browns, the Jets started from a low baseline—but they responded in a big way.
They made three first-round picks and landed an elite athlete in cornerback D’Angelo Ponds in the second round.
MORE: 5 Day 2 picks that could already be heavy contributors
The Jets didn’t just fix their struggling offense—they also reloaded an already talented defense. They may have taken a significant step forward.
You must be registered for see images attach
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh waves to the fans in the first quarter of the game between the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
New York Giants
The Giants made defense their priority. After trading away their All-Pro defensive tackle, they entered the draft with two top-10 picks.
They used those picks to secure high-end defensive talent while also upgrading their wide receiver group and strengthening the offensive line. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the team has shown a clear direction—and early results reflect that.
MORE: 2026 NFL Draft star Jermod McCoy could face career-threatening surgery
Could New York now have two teams worth getting excited about?
You must be registered for see images attach
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins (90) celebrates with Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) and safety Jalen Pitre (5) after returning a fumble for a touchdown during the second half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Houston Texans
The Texans entered the draft focused on improving their offensive line—and addressed it immediately by selecting Keylan Rutledge in the first round.
They followed that move by landing one of the draft’s biggest steals in the second round: defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. They then added another weapon at tight end.
MORE: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order for Day 3 – Rounds 3 through 7
Houston strengthened its defensive front, improved protection for C.J. Stroud, and gave him an additional target. The question now is whether these moves will translate into a deeper postseason run.
You must be registered for see images attach
Apr 23, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Makai Lemon is selected by the Philadelphia Eagles as the number 20 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles didn’t just draft well—they also made a major move in the trade market. On Day 2, they acquired EDGE rusher Jonathan Greenard from the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for two third-round picks.
They continued to build by stealing Makai Lemon from a division rival, adding a standout tight end, and selecting a massive offensive tackle who could develop into a future starter.
MORE: Eagles draft A.J. Brown replacement ahead of expected trade
After a strong overall draft process, the Eagles look poised to make another Super Bowl push.
Continue reading...
