ARLINGTON, TX – November 5, 2026 – Year one set the standard for the Orlando Storm. They clinched the top spot in the final regular-season standings under the leadership of Anthony Becht. However, a lopsided semifinal performance saw their season come to an end before the title game. Here are three areas where I think Becht can improve his roster during the 2027 UFL Draft in preparation for another season in championship contention.
1: Improve the Rushing Attack
Last season's Orlando offense was the definition of efficient. They finished second in the UFL in total yards per game and first in passing, with the league MVP running the show. Jack Plummer was elite in his debut season, finishing with a 17-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. However, there is room to improve the rushing attack.
Orlando finished sixth in the league with just 89.5 rushing yards per game. Their elite aerial attack helped balance out the offense, but improving the run game could take this offense to another level. First off, seeking a playmaking running back would be at the top of the list. Last season, Jashaun Corbin was great, rushing for 438 yards and three touchdowns, ranking third in the league in rushing yards. Following the spring season, Corbin joined the Dallas Cowboys for training camp and remains on their practice squad. However, he averaged 3.3 yards per carry, leaving room for the Storm to add another explosive playmaker to the backfield.
Then you look up front in the trenches. The pass blocking was good, but the run blocking needs to improve. If the Storm can focus the draft on securing a strong offensive lineman to bolster their rushing scheme, the offense could take off and reach new heights.
2: Add Depth to the Defensive Front
The Storm defense was one of the best in the UFL last season in terms of scoring. They finished second in the UFL, allowing just 18.6 points per game. However, the yardage numbers tell a different story.
They allowed 319.9 yards per game, which ranked second-to-last in the league, and the area to pinpoint here is their rushing defense. 114.8 of those yards came on the ground, which also ranked towards the bottom of the league and is now a point of emphasis for the draft this month. The Storm were effective at limiting points, but the numbers show that opponents were able to move the ball, specifically on the ground.
The front seven was led by Keshawn Banks. Banks recorded five sacks and finished second in the league with 11 tackles for loss. Following the conclusion of the spring season, Banks signed an NFL contract with the Atlanta Falcons before landing on the Minnesota Vikings practice squad.
It seems vital that the Storm address the front seven and add multiple playmakers, whether those additions come at the defensive line or in the linebacker room.
3: Build Up the Secondary
Despite much of the damage coming on the ground, the Storm defense struggled to limit opposing passing attacks as well. In fact, the 205.1 passing yards they allowed per game ranked among the worst in the UFL, which creates another area to address this fall.
The secondary as a whole showed its ability to create plays. They finished the regular season with seven interceptions and 60 passes defended, which were both strengths, and showed that the secondary was capable of making plays. However, the yardage numbers need to improve. Relying on a turnover or a late stop can only carry a team so far.
It’s important that the Storm add depth up front, but it is just as crucial that pieces are added in the secondary, both at the cornerback and safety positions.
Head coach Anthony Becht is now entering his fifth season in the UFL and his second with the Storm, as the franchise enters its second year of existence. It’s imperative that Becht boosts his defensive production to bring a title to Orlando.
With an offense that was elite last year, the Storm already find themselves in great shape for a title run. However, defense wins championships, and I believe improving the unit as a whole could be the difference for the Storm in 2027.