With the 2025 National Football League season nearing its dramatic close, the initial pecking order for the 2026 NFL Draft has largely taken shape. While some franchises are intensely focused on securing postseason spots or coveted first-round byes, a significant number of teams have already shifted their attention to the upcoming offseason. Their primary focus now revolves around the all-important draft, where strategic selections can redefine a team's future. The standings from the penultimate week of the season heavily influence these projections, laying the groundwork for a highly anticipated draft class.
As the final week of the 2025 NFL season rapidly approaches, the excitement for both playoff-bound teams and those vying for top draft picks is palpable. The last set of games will not only determine who advances in the current season but also significantly impact the positioning of teams in the 2026 NFL Draft. For many franchises, the focus has entirely transitioned to scouting and strategizing for the next generation of talent, understanding that their current performance will dictate their opportunities to build for future success.
The current projected draft order reveals a clear hierarchy among the league's teams. At the top of the draft, the Las Vegas Raiders are currently projected to hold the first overall pick, a reflection of their challenging 2-14 season record. Following closely are the New York Giants and the New York Jets, both with 3-13 records, indicating a tough year for both franchises and positioning them for early selections. The Tennessee Titans and the Arizona Cardinals, each with 3-13 records, also find themselves near the top of the draft board, highlighting their struggles throughout the season.
Further down the list, teams like the Cleveland Browns (4-12) and the Washington Commanders (4-12) are also slated for high draft picks. This pattern extends to teams such as the Saints (6-10), Chiefs (6-10), and Bengals (6-10), all of whom are looking to leverage their draft positions to bolster their rosters. Even teams with more competitive records, such as the Dolphins (7-9) and Buccaneers (7-9), will be keeping a close eye on their draft capital as they aim to improve for the next season. The complexity of trade scenarios, such as the Browns acquiring a pick from the Jaguars and the Cowboys from the Packers, further shapes the draft landscape.
In the latter half of the projected first round, teams that have enjoyed more successful seasons, though not quite making the top tier of playoff contenders, will still have valuable picks. The Cowboys (7-8-1) and Lions (8-8) are among those poised to add significant talent through the draft. The Vikings (8-8), Jets (via Colts, 8-8), and Panthers (8-8) also fall into this category. The Steelers (9-7) will be looking to enhance their roster with their pick, while teams like the Chargers (11-5), Bills (11-5), Rams (11-5), Eagles (11-5), Texans (11-5), Browns (via Jaguars, 12-4), 49ers (12-4), Bears (11-5), Patriots (13-3), Broncos (13-3), and Seahawks (13-3) round out the list, each aiming to capitalize on their selections to strengthen their teams. The ultimate positions will be finalized after the Week 18 games, offering a definitive look at the 2026 NFL Draft order.
The concluding week of the NFL season is poised to be a pivotal moment for all 32 teams, influencing their standing for the highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft. While some will battle for playoff glory, others will witness their draft positioning solidify, marking the unofficial start of their offseason rebuilding efforts. The final records will dictate the order in which teams select future stars, thereby setting the course for their trajectories in the seasons to come.