NFL Nation
As the 2025 NFL regular season concludes, the order for the first 18 draft selections in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft has been determined. The Las Vegas Raiders will have the No. 1 overall pick, followed by the New York Jets and the Arizona Cardinals. The final order for the draft will be finalized as the NFL playoffs progress, culminating in the Super Bowl LX, scheduled for February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
The 2026 NFL Draft is set to take place in Pittsburgh. The first round is scheduled for April 23, with Rounds 2 and 3 taking place on April 24 and Rounds 4 through 7 concluding on April 25. The draft order has already seen changes due to several trades. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts will not be participating in the first round.
Currently, the Los Angeles Rams possess the Falcons’ first-round selection, the Dallas Cowboys hold the Packers’ pick, the Jets have the Colts’ selection, and the Cleveland Browns have the Jaguars’ first-round pick.
For teams that did not qualify for the playoffs, analysts have assessed each team’s most pressing needs heading into the offseason. Projections for the order of picks 19-32 will be made using ESPN’s Football Power Index and will be updated as the playoffs continue. Below is the draft order for the top selections in 2026.
See more on the NFL draft:
Mock drafts | Rankings
Biggest need: Quarterback. The Raiders have not selected a quarterback in the first round since JaMarcus Russell in 2007. The performance of Geno Smith, who threw a league-high 17 interceptions this season, may prompt a shift to a younger quarterback to secure future success.
Biggest need: Quarterback. The Jets faced challenges at this position, starting three quarterbacks throughout the 2025 season, resulting in a low offensive efficiency ranking. Given the impending release of Justin Fields and the departure of Tyrod Taylor, the Jets may draft two quarterbacks in the offseason, including potentially moving up to the No. 1 spot for a rookie.
Biggest need: Quarterback (possibly). Arizona may contemplate selecting a quarterback if it parts ways with Kyler Murray. The team has other positional needs, including offensive tackle, guard, and defensive lineman.
Biggest need: A dynamic playmaker. The Titans require impactful players across various positions, particularly on offense. Their recent draft history for receivers and edge rushers indicates a need for improvement to support their quarterback and defensive lineup.
Biggest need: Interior defensive line. The Giants need to bolster their defensive line to address deficiencies observed last season, where they allowed the highest rush yards per carry in the league.
Biggest need: Quarterback. The Browns have struggled with quarterback stability, starting 42 different quarterbacks since returning to Cleveland in 1999. With two first-round picks, they have an opportunity to find a long-term solution for the position.
Biggest need: Defensive end. The Commanders are seeking to enhance their defensive roster, specifically in the edge rusher position, following injuries to key players.
Biggest need: Wide receiver. The Saints are looking to add playmakers after a series of recent trades and player releases have left them with limited options at the position.
Biggest need: Pass rusher. The Chiefs aim to improve their pass rush to support their defensive strategy, particularly following a low takeaway count this season.
Biggest need: Interior defensive line. Cincinnati needs to fortify its defensive front after allowing substantial ground yards this season, positioning them for a high draft selection.
Biggest need: Quarterback. The Dolphins are exploring options for improvement at this position, with the possibility of acquiring a veteran or drafting a quarterback depending on the situation.
Biggest need: Defensive enhancements. The Cowboys have multiple needs across their defensive lineup, particularly after acquiring additional first-round picks through trades.
Biggest need: Quarterback. The Rams will face a critical decision regarding the future of Matthew Stafford, prompting considerations for a first-round quarterback selection.
Biggest need: Pass rusher. The Ravens aim to improve their pass rush following a season with their lowest sack count in 15 years.
Biggest need: Linebacker. With potential changes at the linebacker position, the Buccaneers are considering options to fill significant roles on defense.
Biggest need: Interior offensive line. The Lions will seek to upgrade their offensive line following a season where quarterback Jared Goff faced substantial pressure.
Biggest need: Center. The Vikings are assessing their center position, particularly given a recent injury history affecting their veteran player.
Projected order for playoff teams, via ESPN’s FPI
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