The Premier Madden League season is deep into its grind, and while some are fighting for playoff seeding, ten franchises find themselves staring down a different prize — positioning at the top of the upcoming PML Draft. This will be a look at the current top ten and possible needs and possible fits. We will have a full 32 team mock as we near the end of the season. The top ten of the draft looks like this for now:
- Chiefs
- Panthers
- Saints
- Rams
- Bengals
- Patriots
- 49ers
- Lions
- Dolphins
- Cowboys (via Packers)
Each team has roster holes to fill, and the upcoming draft class projects to be loaded with defensive line talent, a handful of intriguing quarterbacks, and cornerstone offensive tackles. Let’s break down each of the top 10 teams, their biggest needs, and the prospects that make the most sense for them.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs’ shocking tumble to the number one pick has the entire league buzzing. In the PML, they’re not short on offensive firepower, but their roster is thin in the trenches.
Team Needs: Offensive tackle, defensive edge.
Potential Fits: Rueben Bain Jr., a ferocious pass rusher, could become the face of their defense. If they prefer offense, Francis Mauigoa or Kadyn Proctor are blue-chip tackles capable of protecting Patrick Mahomes for the long haul.
2. Carolina Panthers
The Panthers sit at number two and desperately need stability. Inconsistent quarterback play has held them back, but their offensive line and defense also need reinforcements.
Team Needs: Quarterback, offensive line, defensive backfield.
Potential Fits: If the Panthers end up with pick two expect this to be a QB, the Panthers could pounce on Lanorris Sellers or Garrett Nussmeier to reset their franchise. If not, T.J. Parker, an explosive defensive end, would help them rebuild their pass rush.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in a classic “best player available” position. Their offense has lacked juice, but the roster overall just needs more top-end talent. Quarterback remains a question mark.
Team Needs: Quarterback, defensive playmakers, offensive weapons.
Potential Fits: Mendoza or Nussmeier are both intriguing quarterback options. If they don’t see a franchise QB worth taking, Caleb Downs, a versatile safety, could be the leader their defense has lacked.
4. Los Angeles Rams
The Rams find themselves in rare territory — near the top of the draft. Their PML roster has playmakers but lacks dominance in the trenches, especially along the offensive line.
Team Needs: Offensive line, defensive front, wide receiver depth.
Potential Fits: Kadyn Proctor is an ideal fit to lock down left tackle for years. If they turn to defense, Peter Woods, a disruptive interior lineman, could bring back the days of dominance up front.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals sit at #5 after a disappointing campaign. They’ve got talent at the skill positions, but the roster feels incomplete when it comes to protecting their QB and defending the run.
Team Needs: Offensive line, defensive line depth, secondary.
Potential Fits: Spencer Fano, a rising offensive tackle, could finally give them stability up front. On defense, Caleb Banks could be a fit if they want to sure up the front seven. This almost assuredly needs to be an offensive lineman though.
6. New England Patriots
The Patriots’ season has been defined by inconsistency. Their offensive identity is unclear, and their defense, while scrappy, lacks an elite pass rusher.
Team Needs: Quarterback, edge rusher, offensive tackle.
Potential Fits: If Drew Allar slides into this range, New England could they give up on Drake Maye and make him their quarterback of the future. If not, they’ll almost certainly target a front-seven defender like Faulk or Woods.
7. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers pride themselves on physicality, but the roster has aged and lost some edge in the trenches. Their offensive weapons are decent, so the focus is clearly on defense.
Team Needs: Defensive line, edge rusher, wide receiver .
Potential Fits: Peter Woods would be a perfect fit to control the line of scrimmage. Caleb Banks offers versatility as an amazing run stopper and pass rusher, giving San Francisco a new cornerstone on defense. Caleb Downs could be a fit here as well if they want to address the secondary.
8. Detroit Lions
The Lions have shown flashes of promise in the PML, but inconsistency has plagued them. Their roster is solid at key positions, yet they lack game-changing defensive talent.
Team Needs: Defensive playmaker, secondary help, potential Quarterback of the future.
Potential Fits: If one of the elite defensive linemen falls, Detroit should sprint to the podium. Otherwise, they may take a swing on a big-bodied receiver or versatile corner to round out their roster. Do not count them out if one of the top 2-3 quarterbacks fall to them. Goff is a great quarterback but is expensive and getting old quickly.
9. Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are one of the most intriguing stories of the draft. Their quarterback situation remains unsettled, and their defense has been inconsistent. Sitting at #9, they may need to move up if they want a franchise QB.
Team Needs: Quarterback, offensive line, linebacker.
Potential Fits: Drew Allar has been mocked to Miami in several projections, making him a natural fit if he’s still available. If not, they may grab a tackle or linebacker.
10. Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
The Cowboys land a top-ten pick thanks to a deal with Green Bay. Unlike many of the teams ahead of them, Dallas is closer to contention and could use this pick to grab an immediate contributor rather than a long-term rebuild piece.
Team Needs: Defensive back, Linebacker, tight end.
Potential Fits: They could use this pick to help replace Micah Parsons, but they feel content with their current pass rushers which is why they moved him. This could be a spot for one of the top defensive backs or possibly the first tight end off the board. Look out for names like Anthony Hill Jr, Avieon Terrel the corner or possibly Kenyon Sadiq the tight end.
