2026 NFL Draft Order: Top Prospects & Picks

The Road to the 2026 NFL Draft: Order, Prospects, and Team Needs

With the NFL season heading into its crucial December stretch, the race for the top spots in the 2026 NFL Draft is intensifying. As teams outside the playoff picture turn their attention to the future, the draft order is beginning to take shape, offering intriguing possibilities for franchises seeking to rebuild or reload. The current landscape, heavily influenced by the Tennessee Titans' struggles and numerous other struggling teams, sets the stage for what could be a fascinating draft class.

The Current Draft Order: Titans on the Cusp of #1

As of Week 13, the Tennessee Titans (1-10) are firmly in the driver's seat for the coveted first overall pick. With the Giants (2-10) holding the #2 spot, the race for the top selection is primarily between these two winless teams. The current first-round order, reflecting standings after Week 12/13 games, looks like this:

1. Tennessee Titans (1-10)
2. New York Giants (2-10)
3. New Orleans Saints (2-9)
4. New York Jets (2-9)
5. Las Vegas Raiders (2-9)
6. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
7. Washington Commanders (3-8)
8. Arizona Cardinals (3-8)
9. Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
10. Miami Dolphins (4-7)
11. L.A. Rams (from Atlanta, 4-7)
12. Minnesota Vikings (4-7)
13. Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
14. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6)
15. Carolina Panthers (6-6)
16. Dallas Cowboys (6-5-1)
17. Houston Texans (6-5)
18. Detroit Lions (7-5)
19. ...and the rest of the league

Simulations suggest the Titans have a significant chance (46%) of securing the #1 pick for the second straight year, followed by the Raiders (17%) and Jets (15%). This early order heavily influences mock drafts, projecting potential fits based on team needs and prospect availability.

Mock Draft Projections: QBs, Edge, and Positional Value

Early mock drafts from sources like CBS Sports and The Athletic paint a picture of a class with intriguing positional dynamics, particularly at the top. While quarterback is often the focus, the perceived strength of this QB class varies.

Quarterbacks: A Questionable Top Group

Analysts note the 2026 QB class lacks consensus top-tier prospects, with multiple mocks suggesting three could go within the top six picks, but not without hesitation:

• Dante Moore (Oregon): Praised for poise, accuracy, and anticipation. A potential top-5 pick if he declares.
• Ty Simpson (Alabama): Impressive processing and accuracy in his first season as a starter, seen as a high-upside prospect.
• Fernando Mendoza (Indiana): Accurate passer with good processing and experience, but viewed as more of a high-floor prospect than a true franchise-altering talent.

Both CBS and The Athletic mock drafts have Simpson going to the Cardinals at #4 and Mendoza to the Browns at #8. The Jets (#3) and Giants (#2) are projected to trade down, avoiding QB for now.

Non-QB Standouts: Edge and Versatility

Outside of quarterback, the class appears strong, particularly on the defensive line and in the secondary:

• Edge Defenders: Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Arvell Reese (Ohio State) are frequently mocked top-5 picks. Reese, a versatile LB/EDGE hybrid, is likened to a "Micah Parsons clone." Bain offers disruptive pass-rush ability.
• Defensive Line: Keldric Faulk (Auburn) is a highly-touted 6'6" DT with immense versatility. Cashius Howell (Texas A&M) and Kayden McDonald (Ohio State) are also prominent early-round prospects.
• Safety & CB: Caleb Downs (Ohio State) is arguably the class's top prospect overall, a versatile defensive back capable of playing safety, corner, or slot. His value is debated due to position, but his impact is undeniable. Mansoor Delane (LSU) is another top-tier corner prospect.
• Offensive Line: Spencer Fano (Utah) is the top interior lineman, projected as a consistent and athletic player who can play multiple positions.
• Safe Bets: RB & WR: Jeremiyah Love (Notre Dame) and Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State) are considered "safest picks" at their respective positions due to elite traits and production.

Key Team Needs & Trade Potential

The early draft order and mock projections align closely with glaring needs:

• Titans (#1): Expected to trade the pick. Needs QB, but may prioritize premier talent like Bain or Reese.
• Giants (#2): Also likely to trade down. Needs QB, OL, and defensive playmakers.
• Jets (#3): Need nearly everything. Caleb Downs provides a potential culture-changing, versatile piece.
• Raiders (#5): Desperately need QB and pass rush. May take a chance on Faulk or trade up.
• Browns (#6): Continue their QB search, targeting Mendoza or Simpson.

What to Watch Down the Stretch

The final six weeks of the NFL season will dramatically reshape the draft order. Key storylines include:

• Can the Titans secure the #1 pick?
• Will teams like the Giants, Jets, Raiders, or Saints trade up for a QB?
• How will prospects like Simpson, Mendoza, and Downs perform in crucial late-season games and bowl appearances?
• Will injury concerns for prospects like Jordyn Tyson impact their stock?

The 2026 NFL Draft promises to be unpredictable, shaped by the chaos of the 2025 season and the intriguing mix of prospects. As the playoff picture sharpens, the race for the top picks becomes one of the most compelling subplots in football.