Position groups that got a facelift in 2026

Summary of Position groups that got a facelift in 2026

by The Athletic

1h 8m•May 12, 2026
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Overview of Position groups that got a facelift in 2026

Robert Mays and guests break down the NFL position groups that look the most different entering 2026, with a key theme: some units may not be “better” in an obvious way, but they are so reshaped that our expectations need to change. The conversation focuses on offensive lines, defensive fronts, corners, and receiver rooms that were heavily influenced by free agency, the draft, injuries, and scheme changes.

Biggest roster overhauls by position group

Chargers offensive interior / in-line personnel

  • The Chargers’ in-line offensive structure looks dramatically different.
  • The big idea: healthier tackles, a new center, reworked guard spots, and more tight end/fullback flexibility.
  • The staff believes the unit can be built through a mix of:
    • stable center play,
    • movable interior pieces,
    • added size and versatility,
    • and more personnel creativity.
  • The ceiling isn’t “elite” yet, but the offense could be much more flexible and fun to watch.

Browns offensive line

  • Cleveland’s line is essentially a full reset, with five new starters.
  • The tackle group is the most encouraging part:
    • more talent,
    • more stability,
    • better upside than last year.
  • The interior is the biggest question:
    • some veterans are coming off uneven seasons,
    • several players have positional uncertainty,
    • and the floor could still be low if health or performance slips.
  • Best-case outcome: a functional, around-average line with enough flexibility to survive injuries.

Texans offensive line

  • Houston’s offensive line makeover feels like an identity move as much as a talent move.
  • The additions point toward a more physical, downhill, “attitude” front.
  • If healthy, the unit could be meaningfully better than last year, especially in how it supports the run game.
  • The biggest swing factor is whether the rookie/young center solution is ready early enough.
  • The group feels built to match the tone of Houston’s defense.

Cardinals offensive line

  • Arizona has three or more new starters and should look much better on the interior.
  • The additions suggest a more power-based, movement-friendly front.
  • Paris Johnson’s return is a major boost on the left side.
  • Right tackle remains the most fragile spot.
  • Short-term: better and more functional.
  • Long-term: still some concerns about how this line fits into the roster build over the next 1–2 years.

Bengals defensive line

  • Cincinnati’s defensive front has been completely reworked.
  • The centerpiece addition changes how the unit should be viewed, and the body types across the front now look much more varied and disruptive.
  • The group has more depth and more pass-rush options than before.
  • But there’s still uncertainty about:
    • whether the back seven can hold up,
    • whether the edge/DT mix will translate,
    • and whether the defense can get from “bad” to merely “solid enough.”
  • The ceiling is higher, but the defense still needs to prove it can be functional.

Rams cornerback room

  • The Rams’ corner group is one of the most interesting overhauls in the league.
  • The outside corners should look and play much differently than last year’s undersized, overextended group.
  • The scheme gives the secondary more help:
    • strong pass rush,
    • versatile nickel usage,
    • three-safety looks,
    • and aggressive coverage options.
  • This is a classic Rams move: upgrade the weakest spots without changing the overall defensive identity.

Steelers wide receivers

  • Pittsburgh’s receiver room now looks far more functional.
  • The point is less “star power” and more reliable complementary pieces around DK Metcalf.
  • The new pieces give the offense:
    • a more dependable possession option,
    • a better YAC presence,
    • and more structure for whichever quarterback is next.
  • Even if the quarterback situation remains unsettled, the receiver room is now in a much better place for the future.

Cowboys secondary

  • Dallas’ secondary is almost entirely reworked.
  • New faces should bring:
    • more versatility,
    • better nickel/safety structure,
    • and a stronger fit for the new defensive system.
  • The back end was a weakness last year; now it has a chance to become a strength.
  • The defense still has questions elsewhere, but the secondary no longer looks like the liability it was.

Main takeaways

“Different” matters, not just “better”

  • A team can be dramatically changed without being obviously improved.
  • These groups deserve a fresh evaluation because the personnel, roles, and scheme are all different.

Health is part of the makeover

  • Several of these units are “new” partly because important players missed time last year.
  • Returning starters can completely change how a group looks.

Scheme fit can unlock the same players

  • The best version of a rebuilt unit often depends on whether the new coach or system fits the new personnel.
  • Personnel and play-calling should be evaluated together.

Short-term and long-term questions can be different

  • Some teams look better right away, but the roster construction still raises future concerns.
  • The Cardinals and Steelers, for example, may have improved their immediate outlook while leaving longer-range issues unresolved.

Bottom line

The episode argues that offseason roster churn should reset our expectations. Some position groups are not just better in 2026 — they are fundamentally different in style, depth, and potential. The best way to evaluate them is to separate “Did they improve?” from “What are they now?”