The NFL Draft in April is not projected to be very deep at the quarterback positions, as potential first-round picks like LaNorris Sellers and Arch Manning are headed back to school. The 2027 draft could truly be the next great QB draft.
Well, the race for the top overall pick is still up in the air and not yet settled, but with one regular season game left, the non-playoff teams will soon settle into their draft position for late April. There are some top-tier prospects in the draft who could reshape an entire franchise.
Let's dive into the first-round order as Week 18 approaches.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft order approaching Week 18 action
Picks 1-16
1. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have the inside track to the first overall pick and could take the top QB on their board in the NFL Draft.
2. New York Giants
The New York Giants need to build around Jaxson Dart, as he's got the goods, but this franchise is anything but predictable.
3. New York Jets
The New York Jets have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, so GM Darren Mougey could really alter the course of this franchise.
4. Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward has had a good rookie season as of late, so the Titans' franchise does have something to build on in 2026 and beyond.
5. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals might be in one of the more least desirable situations in the entire NFL right now. This team was once 2-0 and had something going for them, but the franchise has bottomed out, and we could see some major coaching changes.
6. Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns need a quarterback - Shedeur Sanders is not going to be the long-term answer for this franchise. The Browns are one of a few teams with two first-round picks in 2026.
7. Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders were within one game of the Super Bowl this year and now have a top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. GM Adam Peters has a done of work to do.
8. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints could close out the season on a five-game winning streak. Rookie QB Tyler Shough has been outstanding over the past month and is definitely going to be this team's starter in 2026.
9. Kansas City Chiefs
I am not sure a single person predicted how far the Kansas City Chiefs would fall off this year, but this is probably something the team needs. The roster needs a refresh.
10. Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals have to shore up the defense and probably need another starter along the offensive line. Picking at 10 could help one of those issues get solved.
11. Miami Dolphins
If nothing else, the Miami Dolphins are still playing hard - the decision to bench Tua Tagovailoa does throw a cloud of uncertainty into the offseason, though.
12. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL)
The LA Rams have the Atlanta Falcons' first-round pick, so the Rams could really do something special in 2026.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
At risk of missing the playoffs, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers can't get to the quarterback and have seen the offense take a step back as well. A major coaching change could be what this team needs.
14. Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys might truly be an average defense away from contender status in 2026 with how good the offense is.
15. Detroit Lions
Another team just an average defense away from greatness, the 8-8 Detroit Lions won 15 games last year and earned the top seed in the NFC playoffs.
16. Baltimore Ravens
The entire operation in Baltimore has not been consistent this year, so a year out of the playoffs is probably what the franchise needs.
Picks 17-32
17. Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings could close out the 2025 NFL Season with a winning record. The QB position is still a major issue, but a winning record is tough in today's league.
18. New York Jets (via IND)
Thanks to the Sauce Gardner trade, the Jets are also picking at slot 18. Darren Mougey could wheel and deal in the first round with two top-20 picks.
19. Carolina Panthers
With a win in Week 18, the Carolina Panthers win the NFC South and get to host a playoff game, but it's pretty clear that this team is still another year away.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers
Once again, the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely going to make the playoffs and lose in the first round. Year after year, this team is barely good enough to get into the dance but not good enough to make any progress.
21. Dallas Cowboys (via GB)
Two first-round picks by the Dallas Cowboys could bring some major defensive change in 2026.
22. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers should use this pick on the top OL player on their board, or else Justin Herbert is going to continue taking a major beating.
23. Buffalo Bills
A bit of a regression from the Buffalo Bills currently has them picking at 23. Wide receiver and secondary are two areas where the front office has to improve in the offseason.
24. Los Angeles Rams
With two picks inside the top-25 right now, the already great LA Rams could get even better. GM Les Snead has also drafted better than most GMs in the NFL in recent years.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles are winners of the NFC East but do have some roster flaws. The defensive line and secondary are in need of some fresh, young talent.
26. Houston Texans
Now 11-2 over their past 13 games, the Houston Texans are still alive in the AFC South and are seeing their first-round pick get lower and lower.
27. Cleveland Browns (via JAX)
The second of two first-round picks for Cleveland in 2026, they own the Jacksonville Jaguars' first-round pick thanks to the major trade for Travis Hunter last year.
28. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers have definitely entered into a newer era with some of these younger players, but the team has rebounded in a big way from the six-win 2024 season. San Fran could still earn the top seed in the NFC.
29. Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have had a marvelous season and are picking 29th overall right now. The defensive line is going to be a point of emphasis for GM Ryan Poles in the 2026 offseason.
30. New England Patriots
Another breakout season for a team with a young QB, the New England Patriots have definitely outperformed the roster talent, so this team still has roster issues that need taken care of this offseason.
31. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos have won 13 games thus far and have one of the best overall rosters in the NFL. George Paton, the team's GM, should be up for Executive of the Year.
32. Seattle Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks are another 13-win team with an incredibly talented roster. The Seahawks earn the NFC's top seed with a win