Herd Hierarchy: Rams Team to Beat? No Patriots in Top 10? Chiefs Rising After Draft?
Cowherd Ranks Rams atop Post-Draft NFL List
Colin Cowherd named the Los Angeles Rams the NFL's top team to beat in his latest Herd Hierarchy power rankings after the 2026 NFL Draft. He elevated the Kansas City Chiefs to No. 2 for what he called a sneaky good draft, while the Chicago Bears maintained their climb. The New England Patriots did not rank in the top 10.
Cowherd praised the Rams for targeting needs with a vertical tight end, offensive tackle and sixth-round receiver C.J. Daniels from Miami, noting their history of developing late-round wideouts. He highlighted Chiefs additions like free-agent running back Kenneth Walker III, draft cornerback Mansoor Delane and defensive linemen Peter Woods and R. Mason Thomas, plus returns from injury for Rashee Rice, Josh Simmons and Patrick Mahomes. On the Bears, Cowherd liked their first two picks Dillon Thieneman and Iowa center Logan Jones, plus blocking tight end Sam Roush, and projected an NFC Championship push after a playoff loss to the Rams.
Other top-10 teams drew specific plaudits: Chargers for four offensive linemen among eight picks and edge-rusher help under coach Jim Harbaugh; Eagles for pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard and receiver upgrades; Texans for defensive strength, running back David Montgomery and offensive-line starters; Lions for left tackle and coordinator Drew Petzing; Broncos for traded receiver Jaylen Waddle, running backs Jonah Coleman and R.J. Harvey under Sean Payton; Seahawks for running back Jadarian Price despite coordinator questions; and Bears again for draft nuance around DJ Moore. Super Bowl odds via DraftKings ranged from Rams at +800 to Bears at +2500.
These rankings come amid the NFL offseason, with training camps approaching and focus shifting to roster integration before the 2026 season.
