NFL Draft 2026 Order Finalized as Combine Commences in Indianapolis
The 2026 NFL Draft board is officially locked in, marking the league's transition from the excitement of Super Bowl 60 to the strategic intensity of draft season. The Las Vegas Raiders have secured the coveted No. 1 overall pick following a disappointing 3-14 collapse, positioning them at the forefront of this year's selection process. They are joined at the top by the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals, both also finishing with 3-14 records, who are slotted at No. 2 and No. 3, respectively. In contrast, the Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl 60 victory over the New England Patriots, will pick last at No. 32, capping off a triumphant season.
Prospects Gather for NFL Combine as Draft Dates Approach
Simultaneously, 319 prospects have descended upon Indianapolis for the 2026 NFL combine, aiming to improve their draft stock and climb the rankings. This critical evaluation period precedes the main event, where teams will head to Pittsburgh for the draft, scheduled from April 23 to 25 at Point State Park outside Acrisure Stadium. The action kicks off with Round 1 at 8 p.m. ET on April 23, followed by Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24 at 7 p.m. ET, and Rounds 4-7 on April 25 starting at noon.
Complete First-Round Draft Order Revealed
Here is the full first-round order for the 2026 NFL Draft, as compiled from sources like Tankathon and multiple national reports, current as of February 26, 2026:
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- New York Jets (3-14)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- New York Giants (4-13)
- Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Washington Commanders (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1 / 7-9)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons, 8-9)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- New York Jets (via Colts, 8-9)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers, 9-7-1 / 9-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars, 13-4)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
- Denver Broncos (14-3)
- New England Patriots (14-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (14-3, Super Bowl 60 champions)
The top of the board presents a brutal outlook on paper, featuring four teams with 3-14 records, a Giants squad that managed only 4-13, and multiple franchises grappling with significant quarterback and roster uncertainties. At the opposite end, the Pittsburgh Steelers add an extra layer of intrigue by hosting the draft while also picking at No. 21, increasing the pressure to make a successful selection in front of their home crowd.
Draft Order as a Strategic Leverage Map
This draft order is far more than a simple list; it functions as a detailed leverage map for team negotiations. While the Raiders control the No. 1 pick, they are not the sole holders of power. The Jets possess two first-round selections within the top 16, and the Cowboys and Rams also each have two first-round picks. Additionally, the Browns have secured Jacksonville's spot at No. 24. These extra picks become crucial assets as trade discussions intensify during and after the combine.
In terms of overall volume, the Steelers lead the league with 12 total picks, followed closely by the Jets, Ravens, and Patriots, each holding 11. The Raiders, Browns, Rams, and Jaguars all have 10 picks, providing ample opportunities for teams that either struggled last season or are aiming to rebuild around existing cores.
Structure and Tiebreakers Behind the Order
The framework for this draft order is straightforward on the surface: it is based on reverse standings from the 2025 regular season. Non-playoff teams occupy slots 1 through 18, while playoff teams are grouped according to their postseason advancement, with the Super Bowl loser at No. 31 and the champion at No. 32. When records are tied, strength of schedule serves as the primary tiebreaker, followed by division and conference tiebreakers. If ties persist, resolutions can extend to net points, net touchdowns, or even a coin toss.
Despite the current setup, this order remains fluid. A standout performance at the combine, an impressive pro day, or aggressive moves by front offices could rapidly alter the board. For now, the reality is clear: the 2026 NFL Draft revolves around the 3-14 Raiders holding the No. 1 pick, and other teams must determine how aggressively they wish to challenge that position.
