by The 2025 NFL regular season has officially come to a close, and while 14 teams are preparing for a Super Bowl run, the rest of the league is shifting its focus toward the future. The NFL Draft Order 2026 is now largely set for the non-playoff teams, providing a roadmap for struggling franchises to rebuild through elite college talent. Following a chaotic Week 18, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the biggest “winners” of the cellar-dwellers, officially securing the right to pick first overall in Pittsburgh this coming April.
The Raiders are on the Clock
Securing the No. 1 overall selection in the NFL Draft Order 2026 was a rollercoaster ride for the Silver and Black. Despite a gritty season-finale win over the Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders clinched the top spot thanks to a tiebreaker over three other three-win teams. Because Las Vegas finished with the lowest strength of schedule among the 3-14 group, they will have the first opportunity to select a franchise savior—widely rumored to be Indiana quarterback and Heisman sensation Fernando Mendoza.
The Top 10: A Reset for Iconic Franchises
The top of the NFL Draft Order 2026 features several surprise residents who expected to be playoff contenders this year. The New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals round out the top three, both finishing with disappointing 3-14 records. Perhaps most shocking is the presence of the Kansas City Chiefs at No. 9; a season marred by injuries and uncharacteristic offensive slumps has left the perennial powerhouse with its highest draft pick in over a decade.
| Pick | Team | Record | Primary Need |
| 1 | Las Vegas Raiders | 3–14 | Quarterback |
| 2 | New York Jets | 3–14 | Offensive Tackle |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | 3–14 | Edge Rusher |
| 4 | Tennessee Titans | 3–14 | Wide Receiver |
| 5 | New York Giants | 4–13 | Quarterback / WR |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | 5–12 | Offensive Line |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | 5–12 | Defensive Back |
| 8 | New Orleans Saints | 6–11 | Defensive Interior |
| 9 | Kansas City Chiefs | 6–11 | Wide Receiver |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | 6–11 | Tight End |
Mid-Round Intrigue and Trade Implications
As we look at the middle of the NFL Draft Order 2026, the Dallas Cowboys find themselves in a familiar but frustrating position at No. 12. After a late-season collapse, the Cowboys must decide if they will use this pick to bolster their aging offensive line or look for a defensive playmaker to assist Micah Parsons. Interestingly, the Los Angeles Rams hold the No. 13 pick via a previous trade with the Atlanta Falcons, giving them significant ammunition to move up if they fall in love with a top-tier prospect.
The Impact of the 2025 Quarterback Class
The primary driver for movement in the NFL Draft Order 2026 will undoubtedly be the quarterback position. Beyond Fernando Mendoza, names like Oregon’s Dante Moore and Indiana’s rising stars have scouts salivating. Teams like the Giants (No. 5) and the Saints (No. 8) are prime candidates to trade up into the top three, as the “veteran bridge” strategy failed both franchises during the 2025 campaign.
Playoff Outcomes and the Final 14 Picks
While the first 18 spots in the NFL Draft Order 2026 are now locked, the final 14 selections will be determined by the results of the postseason. Currently, the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and New England Patriots are projected to pick in the 30s based on their dominant regular-season records. For these teams, the draft is a luxury used to “retool rather than rebuild,” often focusing on Best Player Available (BPA) strategies rather than reaching for specific positional needs.
Team Rankings: Who Won the Offseason?
In terms of draft capital and potential for a quick turnaround, the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders currently lead our rankings within the NFL Draft Order 2026. Both teams possess multiple picks in the first three rounds and have clear paths to landing a “blue-chip” player at a premium position. If the Raiders can successfully pair Fernando Mendoza with their existing defensive core, the 2026 season could look drastically different for the residents of Allegiant Stadium.
Final Thoughts on the 2026 Path
The NFL Draft Order 2026 represents a glimmer of hope for fanbases that suffered through a long 2025 season. With the draft set to take place in Pittsburgh from April 23–25, the next four months will be filled with mock drafts, combine measurements, and pro-day rumors. Whether your team is picking at the very top or waiting for the end of the first round, the foundation for the 2026 season begins today.
Which prospect do you want your team to target with their current draft slot? Let us know in the comments below, and would you like me to create a detailed scouting report on the top five quarterbacks in this year’s class?
