NFL Playoffs Set Which Means 2026 Draft Boards are Taking Shape

With the postseason bracket finalized, teams eliminated from contention now turn their focus toward April’s draft in Pittsburgh.

^Don't Feel like reading? Watch the video above!^

With the 2025–2026 playoff field officially locked in, the league’s attention now turns toward the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following Week 18, the top portion of the draft order is set, giving non-playoff teams clarity on where they will select and what direction their offseason could take.

The Las Vegas Raiders clinched the No. 1 overall pick after finishing tied for the league’s worst record at 3–14 and winning the strength-of-schedule tiebreaker. From there, several franchises sit positioned to address quarterback questions, rebuild their trenches, or add high-impact defensive talent based on early ESPN projections.

Locked Draft Order (After Week 18)

1.     Las Vegas Raiders (3–14) — ESPN projected pick: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana. Las Vegas enters the offseason holding the draft’s top asset, with quarterback projected as the early priority.

2.     New York Jets (3–14) — ESPN projected pick: Dante Moore, QB, Oregon. New York sits in position to reset the future under center at No. 2.

3.     Arizona Cardinals (3–14) — ESPN projected pick: Francis Mauigoa, OT/G, Miami. Arizona is projected to reinforce the offensive front with premium size and versatility.

4.     Tennessee Titans (3–14) — ESPN projected pick: Arvell Reese, Edge/LB, Ohio State. Tennessee’s projection points toward defensive speed and pressure help.

5.     New York Giants (4–13) — ESPN projected pick: Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State. New York is projected to add a playmaker on the perimeter.

6.     Cleveland Browns (5–12) — ESPN projected pick: Jordyn Tyson, WR, Arizona State. Cleveland is projected to add receiving juice after a difficult season.

7.     Washington Commanders (5–12) — ESPN projected pick: David Bailey, Edge, Texas Tech. Washington is projected to address pass rush with an edge defender.

8.     New Orleans Saints (6–11) — ESPN projected pick: Jeremiyah Love, RB, Notre Dame. New Orleans is projected to add backfield explosiveness.

9.     Kansas City Chiefs (6–11) — ESPN projected pick: Rueben Bain Jr., DL, Miami. Kansas City is projected to strengthen the defensive front.

10.  Cincinnati Bengals (6–11) — ESPN projected pick: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State. Cincinnati is projected to reinforce the secondary.

11.  Miami Dolphins (7–10) — ESPN projected pick: Spencer Fano, OT, Utah. Miami is projected to invest in protection up front.

12.  Dallas Cowboys (7–9-1) — ESPN projected pick: Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State. Dallas is projected to add athleticism and flexibility at linebacker.

13.  Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons) (8–9) — ESPN projected pick: Makai Lemon, WR, USC. Los Angeles is projected to add speed and depth to the receiver room.

14.  Baltimore Ravens (8–9) — ESPN projected pick: Peter Woods, DT, Clemson. Baltimore is projected to reinforce interior defensive strength.

15.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8–9) — ESPN projected pick: Keldric Faulk, Edge, Auburn. Tampa Bay is projected to add pressure off the edge.

16.  New York Jets (via Colts) (8–9) — ESPN projected pick: Kayden McDonald, DT, Ohio State. New York holds a second first-rounder and is projected to add trench power.

17.  Detroit Lions (9–8) — ESPN projected pick: Caleb Lomu, OT, Utah. Detroit is projected to bolster the offensive line.

18.  Minnesota Vikings (9–8) — ESPN projected pick: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU. Minnesota is projected to strengthen coverage in the secondary.

*Remaining teams will be seeded based on playoff finish.*

Current Top 10 Draft Prospects

1.     Fernando Mendoza — Indiana — QB

2.     Dante Moore — Oregon — QB

3.     Rueben Bain Jr. — Miami (Fla.) —EDGE

4.     Jordyn Tyson — Arizona St. — WR

5.     Carnell Tate — Ohio State — WR

6.     Arvell Reese — Ohio State — LB

7.     Trevor Goosby — Texas — OT

8.     Spencer Fano — Utah — IOL

9.     Caleb Downs — Ohio State — S

10.  Peter Woods — Clemson — DL

As the postseason plays out and the remaining draft slots are finalized, the bigger question becomes how aggressive teams at the top will be—especially if quarterback demand continues to dominate the conversation. Will Las Vegas stay put at No. 1 or leverage the spot for a major haul? Do the Jets double down on offense with two first-round selections, or split the resources between quarterback and the trenches? And which prospects will rise once the pre-draft process begins and teams compare “best player available” against roster needs?