The NFL’s Week 17 showcases some exciting matchups while also setting the stage for the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. As the season comes to a close, many teams are already looking towards the future.
2026 NFL Draft Order: First-Round Picks After Week 17
With playoff hopes dashed for 14 teams, the focus shifts to the draft order. Here’s a rundown of the latest first-round picks based on records and strength of schedule statistics, as of Week 17:
| Team | Record | Strength of Schedule (SOS) |
|---|---|---|
| New York Giants | 2-13 | .531 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 2-13 | .543 |
| Cleveland Browns | 3-12 | .492 |
| New York Jets | 3-12 | .539 |
| Tennessee Titans | 3-12 | .573 |
| Arizona Cardinals | 3-12 | .576 |
| Washington Commanders | 4-12 | .504 |
| New Orleans Saints | 5-10 | .498 |
| Cincinnati Bengals | 5-10 | .516 |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 6-10 | .513 |
| Miami Dolphins | 6-9 | .490 |
| Atlanta Falcons (pick belongs to Los Angeles Rams) | 6-9 | .502 |
| Baltimore Ravens | 7-8 | .504 |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 7-8 | .529 |
| Dallas Cowboys | 7-8-1 | .438 |
| Detroit Lions | 8-8 | .496 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 8-8 | .515 |
| Indianapolis Colts (pick belongs to Jets) | 8-7 | .537 |
| Carolina Panthers | 8-7 | .518 |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 9-6 | .504 |
| Green Bay Packers (pick belongs to Cowboys) | 9-5-1 | .476 |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 10-5 | .473 |
| Houston Texans | 10-5 | .537 |
| Buffalo Bills | 11-4 | .463 |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 11-4 | .457 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 11-4 | .494 |
| Jacksonville Jaguars (pick belongs to Browns) | 11-4 | .494 |
| Los Angeles Rams | 11-4 | .529 |
| Chicago Bears | 11-4 | .445 |
| New England Patriots | 12-3 | .380 |
| Seattle Seahawks | 12-3 | .502 |
| Denver Broncos | 13-3 | .429 |
Prospects for the Top Five Picks
As the draft approaches, several college players are emerging as potential top selections. According to a recent mock draft by USA TODAY Sports’ Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, the following players are anticipated to go early:
- New York Jets: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana – with a proposed trade with the Giants.
- Las Vegas Raiders: QB Dante Moore, Oregon.
- Cleveland Browns: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State.
- New York Giants: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State – with a proposed trade with the Jets.
- Tennessee Titans: LB/DE Arvell Reese, Ohio State.
The NFL landscape is shifting as teams strategize their picks. The 2026 NFL Draft promises to bring fresh talent that could reshape numerous franchises.
