Here’s the 2026 NFL Draft Order tracker for you. We have updated it for post-week 13 projections for you. Even though we’re still knee-deep in the NFL Playoff picture developing,
the 2026 NFL Draft order is already taking shape. The top of the draft class has a grunch of quarterbacks, edge rushers, and a monster offensive tackle class.Below is the current projected 2026 draft order based on reverse standings through Week 12 (records as of Nov 25, 2025), using strength-of-schedule tiebreakers where applicable.
2026 NFL Draft Order Tracker (Top 18, Non-Playoff Teams)
Here’s the 2026 NFL Draft Order tracker for you. The positions are all projected as of today’s date for you. We’ve also included a projected first-round mock draft. This projection prioritizes each team’s top needs while drawing from consensus top prospects across positions (e.g., QBs like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore are highly sought after for QB-desperate teams). No trades are assumed for simplicity. Picks 19-32 would be determined by playoff results, so when we do a more expansive NFL Mock Draft later, we’ll cover those.
| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | Rationale (Top Need Match) |
| 1 | Tennessee Titans | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami | Elite edge rusher to bolster the pass rush; top overall prospect fits perfectly as a Day 1 starter. |
| 2 | New York Giants | Jordyn Tyson | WR | Arizona State | Explosive WR to give Daniel Jones (or successor) a true No. 1 target; addresses key offensive void. |
| 3 | New York Jets | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana | Franchise QB solution after a dismal season; Mendoza’s accuracy and poise make him the top QB available. |
| 4 | Las Vegas Raiders | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon | Another QB-hungry team grabs the next best arm; Moore’s mobility fits Antonio Pierce’s scheme. |
| 5 | New Orleans Saints | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State | Rebuild the WR corps post-Shaheed/Cooks; Tate’s route-running adds immediate separation. |
| 6 | Cleveland Browns | Spencer Fano | OT | Utah | Protect Deshaun Watson with a mauler at tackle; Fano’s run-blocking upside is elite. |
| 7 | Washington Commanders | T.J. Parker | EDGE | Clemson | Succession for aging vets like Wagner; Parker’s bend and speed disrupt QBs off the edge. |
| 8 | Arizona Cardinals | Francis Mauigoa | OT | Miami | Versatile lineman to protect Kyler Murray; Mauigoa’s power suits zone-blocking. |
| 9 | Cincinnati Bengals | Jermod McCoy | CB | Tennessee | Lockdown corner to pair with existing talent; McCoy’s press-man skills elevate the secondary. |
| 10 | Los Angeles Rams (from ATL) | Ty Simpson | QB | Alabama | Long-term QB answer post-Stafford era; Simpson’s arm talent shines in Sean McVay’s system. |
| 11 | Miami Dolphins | Mansoor Delane | CB | LSU | Speedy CB to fix secondary depth; Delane’s length and recovery speed fit Vic Fangio’s defense. |
| 12 | Minnesota Vikings | Avieon Terrell | CB | Clemson | Versatile DB to replace aging safeties like Smith; Terrell’s ball skills add turnovers. |
| 13 | Dallas Cowboys | Keldric Faulk | EDGE | Auburn | Pass-rush help opposite Parsons; Faulk’s length and motor provide instant impact. |
| 14 | Carolina Panthers | Parker Brailsford | IOL | Alabama | Anchor the interior line; Brailsford’s intelligence and leverage make him a plug-and-play guard/center. |
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | LaNorris Sellers | QB | South Carolina | Bridge/competitor for aging Rodgers; Sellers’ dual-threat ability energizes the offense. |
| 16 | Kansas City Chiefs | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon | Kelce insurance with a dynamic pass-catcher; Sadiq’s YAC ability pairs with Mahomes. |
| 17 | Houston Texans | Logan Jones | IOL | Iowa | Stabilize the trenches; Jones’ mauling style fits a run-heavy approach. |
| 18 | Detroit Lions | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech | Depth for injury-plagued rush; Bailey’s versatility works in Aaron Glenn’s aggressive front. |
*Playoff teams slotted by current record; will shift dramatically in final weeks.
2026 NFL Draft Date & Location
Here’s the 2026 NFL Draft schedule (date and location) for you. The first round is the biggest day for fans to watch on TV, and it goes for seven rounds.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Rounds 2–3: Friday, April 24
- Rounds 4–7: Saturday, April 25
- Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Acrisure Stadium)
If you are looking to check out the remaining 2025-26 NFL regular season schedules, we have those posted as well as the NFL Playoff and Super Bowl schedule and bracket for you. Also, if your favorite team is already out of the NFL Playoff picture, we’re building the 2026-27 NFL schedules for you here.
