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NFL
NFL Network reveals 5 most improved franchises after NFL Draft day 2
TL;DR
NFL Network highlights five franchises that showed significant improvement after the second day of the NFL Draft. Analyst Steve Wyche evaluates team performances based on their draft picks and trades.
Key points
- NFL Draft infuses all 32 franchises with new talent
- Teams made surprising picks and executed big trades
- Steve Wyche identified five most improved teams
- Evaluation based on performance through first three rounds
- Impact of draft will be assessed over time
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 questionâone that wonât be answered for some timeâis 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:
Cleveland Browns
Wyche highlights one key reality about the Browns: the bar was lowâso 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.
New York Jets
Like the Browns, the Jets started from a low baselineâbut they responded in a big way.
They made three first-round picks and landed an elite athlete in cornerback DâAngelo Ponds in the second round.
MORE: 5 Day 2 picks that could already be heavy contributors
The Jets didnât just fix their struggling offenseâthey also reloaded an already talented defense. They may have taken a significant step forward.
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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 directionâand 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?
Houston Texans
The Texans entered the draft focused on improving their offensive lineâand addressed it immediately by selecting Keylan Rutledge in the first round.
They followed that move by landing one of the draftâs 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 â 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.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles didnât just draft wellâthey 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.
Q&A
Which teams are considered the most improved after NFL Draft day 2?
NFL Network analyst Steve Wyche identified five teams as the most improved after the second day of the NFL Draft.
What factors determine a team's improvement in the NFL Draft?
A team's improvement is evaluated based on their draft picks, trades, and how well they maximize their opportunities during the draft.
How does the NFL Draft impact team performance?
The NFL Draft infuses teams with new talent, which can significantly enhance their performance in the upcoming season.
When will the true impact of the NFL Draft be assessed?
The true impact of the NFL Draft will not be fully understood until the new talent has had time to develop and compete in the league.