With Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season in the books, the playoff picture is coming into focus-but for a handful of teams, the postseason is already out of reach. That means eyes are turning toward the 2026 NFL Draft, where the hope of a franchise reset-or at least a major roster upgrade-awaits. And while this year’s quarterback class might not be overflowing with elite prospects, there are a few intriguing names who could shift the trajectory of a team in need of stability under center.
Here's a breakdown of the updated draft order as of Week 15, and what it could mean for teams at the top of the board.
1. New York Giants (2-12)
The Giants remain in pole position for the No. 1 overall pick, and with Jaxson Dart already in-house, they may be more likely to field trade offers than to draft a quarterback. Dart has shown flashes of potential, but his ability to stay upright and avoid unnecessary hits remains a concern.
If the front office believes in his long-term upside, this pick could become the most valuable trade chip in the draft.
2. Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Las Vegas dropped their Week 15 matchup against the Eagles, cementing their place just behind the Giants. The Raiders are in clear need of a quarterback, and Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is a name that keeps surfacing.
He’s got the tools-arm strength, pocket presence, leadership-that teams crave, and Vegas could be a natural fit if they stay put at No. 2.
3. Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Tennessee rounds out the trio of 2-12 teams, but unlike the others, they might not be in the quarterback market. Rookie Cam Ward has had his ups and downs, but he’s also flashed enough to earn another year at the helm.
With that in mind, the Titans could pivot toward bolstering the offensive line or adding a playmaker on defense-especially if a QB-needy team comes calling with a trade offer.
4. Cleveland Browns (4-11)
Cleveland’s quarterback situation is murky, and the Browns could be in the market for an upgrade. If Mendoza is off the board by the time they’re on the clock, trading up becomes a real possibility.
With a defense that’s struggled to stay consistent and an offense lacking a long-term answer at QB, this draft could be pivotal for the Browns’ rebuild.
5. New York Jets (3-11)
The Jets are clearly in reset mode. Trading away cornerstone defenders like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams signaled a shift toward the future.
With a war chest of draft picks in both 2026 and 2027, New York is positioned to be aggressive if they identify a quarterback they believe in-or they could continue stockpiling assets and build through volume. Either way, the Jets are a team to watch.
6. Arizona Cardinals (3-11)
It’s been a steep fall for the Cardinals. They started the year 2-0, climbed to 6-4, and now find themselves back in the top 10 of the draft order.
Injuries and inconsistency have plagued them down the stretch, and now the question becomes: is this a total teardown or a retooling? Their draft position gives them flexibility, but they’ll need to hit on this pick to avoid another slide in 2026.
7. New Orleans Saints (4-10)
Tyler Shough may not be a household name yet, but the Saints seem to believe they have something to build around at quarterback. That likely takes them out of the running for a first-round QB, shifting the focus to surrounding Shough with more talent-especially on a roster that needs help on both sides of the ball.
Whether it's a dynamic receiver, a cornerstone tackle, or a defensive difference-maker, New Orleans has options here.
With six teams sitting at either 11 or 12 losses, the race for the top pick is still very much alive. And while the 2026 draft class may not feature a can't-miss quarterback prospect, there are enough intriguing players to make the top of the board a battleground for trades and bold moves. For teams already looking ahead to April, the next few weeks could shape the future of their franchise.