Back of the Pack: 2026 NFL Draft Order Projections

As the NFL season comes to a close, many teams are looking forward to the postseason. But on the other hand, numerous franchises are already looking to next year and where they might be drafting in 2026.

The NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and several teams already know where they will be selecting players. The bad news for these teams is that they will miss the playoffs, but at least have the luxury of a top pick.

Here’s a look at the projected top picks and how the draft order is determined..

Draft Order Rules

The NFL Draft order is determined based on the previous season’s regular-season records. Here are a few key points that outline the process:

• Worse records, higher picks: Teams that win fewer games are awarded higher draft picks. This system is designed to give struggling teams a chance to improve by selecting top talent.
• Tiebreakers: If two or more teams have the same record, the draft order is determined by a series of tiebreakers, which may include strength of schedule and head-to-head results.
• Playoff Teams: The teams that make the playoffs pick at the end of each round, based on how far they advance in the postseason. The Super Bowl champion picks last in the first round.

Projected Draft Order

Using the anova criteria, here’s a look at the potential draft order for the top five kicks through Week 17. There possibly could be a few changes, but this is the likely order depending on how things play out this weekend.

1 – Las Vegas Raiders (2-14)

It’s been a tough season again for the Raiders and the team clinches the top draft slot with a loss or tie against the Chiefs in Week 18.

2 – New York Giants (3-13)

The Giants notched a win against the Raiders in Week 17 and that may have been enough to miss out on the No. 1 pick. A win over the Cowboys in the final week of play could move New York down even further.

3 – New York Jets (3-13)

It’s not been a good year for New York NFL fans and the Jets could move up to No. 2 with a Giants win and a loss to the Bills.

4 – Tennessee Titans (3-13)

The Titans were so bad most of the season that it seems like the team should have an even better draft position. Many NFL bettors were rewarded for much of the season putting some more on Tennessee opponents.

5 – Arizona Cardinals (3-13)

The Cards started 2-0 and proceeded to go 1-13 after that. Arizona needs some help and will have a top pick again to help make that happen.