2026 NFL Draft: Which 3 Teams Have Improved the Most This Offseason?

The confetti has settled on the 2026 NFL Draft, and while every franchise claims victory in the moment, the real winners are determined by how those picks—and the moves that preceded them—translate to the field. As Colin Cowherd highlighted on Monday’s episode of The Herd, a handful of organizations have made seismic leaps over the past few months. They didn’t just draft well; they reshaped their identities.

With free agency, trades, and a full draft class now in the rearview mirror, three teams stand out as the most improved. These franchises didn’t just plug holes—they rebuilt foundations. Here is the expert breakdown of which teams have the brightest outlook heading into the 2026 season.

1. New York Giants: A Coaching Overhaul Changes Everything

It’s rare that a single hire can redefine an entire offseason, but the New York Giants pulled it off. While general manager Joe Schoen remained busy in free agency and the draft, the headline move was the stunning acquisition of head coach John Harbaugh from the Baltimore Ravens. As Cowherd put it bluntly: “I get a massive head coaching upgrade in John Harbaugh.”

Harbaugh brings a culture of discipline, playoff pedigree, and schematic flexibility that the Giants have sorely lacked. But the upgrades didn’t stop in the head coach’s office. New York targeted non-premium positions with high-impact veterans in free agency. Tight end Isaiah Likely and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds were signed to fill glaring needs. Likely gives quarterback Daniel Jones a reliable middle-of-the-field target, while Edmunds instantly fortifies a linebacker corps that was gashed in 2025.

• Isaiah Likely – A mismatch weapon who can stretch seams and block.
• Tremaine Edmunds – A rangy, athletic linebacker who covers sideline to sideline.
• John Harbaugh – A Super Bowl-winning coach with a history of maximizing rosters.

Then came the draft. Cowherd praised the Giants’ first four selections as “amazing.” New York landed a starting-caliber cornerback in the first round, an explosive wide receiver in the second, and two trench-warriors who fit Harbaugh’s physical identity. The result? A roster that was 7-10 last season now looks like a legitimate NFC East contender.

Expert analysis: The Giants’ improvement is not just about talent—it’s about alignment. Harbaugh’s ability to scheme around his personnel, combined with a draft class that addressed premium positions (corner, receiver, offensive line), gives New York the most dramatic one-year turnaround potential in the league.

2. Chicago Bears: Building a Fortress Around Caleb Williams

The Chicago Bears entered the offseason with one mission: protect quarterback Caleb Williams at all costs. Mission accomplished. After a rookie season where Williams was sacked a league-high 58 times, general manager Ryan Poles made the offensive line his top priority.

In free agency, Chicago signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler and tackle Donovan Smith. But the real statement came in the draft. The Bears used their first two picks on offensive linemen, including a top-10 selection on a tackle who can start immediately. This isn’t just depth—it’s a complete overhaul of the front five.

Beyond the line, Chicago added a dynamic pass-catching weapon in the third round: a slot receiver with 4.3 speed who will stress defenses underneath. The defense also got a jolt with an edge rusher in the fourth round who recorded 12 sacks in his final college season.

• Kevin Zeitler – Veteran presence and road-grading run blocker.
• Top-10 OT pick – Day-one starter to protect Williams’ blind side.
• 4.3-speed slot receiver – A YAC machine for quick passes.

Expert analysis: The Bears were already improving under defensive-minded head coach Matt Eberflus. Now, with a fortified offensive line and a second-year quarterback who has better protection, Chicago could jump from a 5-12 team to a 9-8 squad. The key is Williams’ development. If he stays upright, the Bears’ offense will be dangerous.

3. Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh’s Blueprint Takes Shape

It’s impossible to ignore the Los Angeles Chargers after their aggressive, identity-driven offseason. Head coach Jim Harbaugh (yes, the other Harbaugh) wasted no time stamping his philosophy on the roster. The Chargers went from a finesse team to a physical powerhouse in just three months.

The free-agent haul was headlined by running back Derrick Henry. Yes, Henry is 31, but he still rushed for 1,200 yards last season. Pairing him with quarterback Justin Herbert gives the Chargers a balanced attack that can control the clock and wear down defenses. On defense, Los Angeles signed cornerback Stephon Gilmore and linebacker Eric Kendricks—both veterans who bring leadership and playoff experience.

In the draft, the Chargers prioritized the trenches. They selected a mauling right guard in the second round and a disruptive defensive tackle in the third. The final piece was a speedy wide receiver in the fifth round who can stretch the field and open up intermediate routes for Herbert.

• Derrick Henry – A battering ram who changes defensive game plans.
• Stephon Gilmore – A lockdown corner who still has elite ball skills.
• Two trench picks – Reinforcements for both lines.

Expert analysis: The Chargers’ improvement is about scheme fit. Jim Harbaugh wants to run the ball, stop the run, and play complementary football. Henry is the perfect back for that identity, and the offensive line additions ensure he has lanes. If the defense stays healthy, Los Angeles could challenge Kansas City for the AFC West title.

Why These Three Teams Stand Above the Rest

Every team makes moves in the offseason, but these three franchises addressed their most glaring weaknesses with precision. The Giants upgraded the most important position on the sideline (head coach). The Bears protected their most valuable asset (the franchise quarterback). The Chargers built a coherent identity around their star player (Justin Herbert).

Colin Cowherd’s assessment rings true: these teams didn’t just win the draft—they won the entire offseason cycle. From free agency to the draft board, each organization executed a clear, aggressive plan. That doesn’t guarantee Super Bowls, but it does set a foundation for sustained success.

Prediction for 2026: Expect the Giants to finish 9-8 or better, the Bears to hover around .500 with a chance at the playoffs, and the Chargers to win 10-11 games and make a deep postseason run.

Conclusion: The Offseason Winners Are Clear

The 2026 NFL Draft is in the books, and while grades are fun, the real test comes in September. The New York Giants, Chicago Bears, and Los Angeles Chargers have positioned themselves as the most improved teams in the league. Whether it’s a coaching upgrade, a line overhaul, or a cultural shift, each roster now has a clearer path to victory.

For Giants fans, the Harbaugh era brings hope. For Bears fans, it’s about protecting the future. For Chargers fans, it’s about finally playing bully ball. The NFL is a league of parity, but these three teams have built a clear advantage. The only question left: can they cash it in when the games count?

Stay tuned. The 2026 season just got a lot more interesting.

Source: Based on news from Fox Sports.