2026 NFL Draft Watch: Giants, Raiders in Pole Position as Quarterback Picture Shifts
As we head into the final stretch of the regular season, the race for the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has taken a sharp turn. What once looked like a two-team battle between the Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints has shifted dramatically. Both teams have found late-season momentum, and in New Orleans, rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has emerged as a potential long-term answer under center - possibly taking them out of the quarterback market come April.
That leaves the New York Giants and Las Vegas Raiders front and center in the draft conversation. Both teams sit at 2-13, and their Week 17 matchup could be the unofficial "Draft Bowl" - with the loser taking a major step toward securing the top overall pick. It’s a meeting of two struggling franchises, each with different outlooks but the same goal: a shot at a franchise-changing prospect.
Giants and Raiders: Same Record, Different Needs
The Giants haven’t tasted victory since early October and are expected to begin a coaching search once the season wraps. Despite the record, New York appears committed to Jaxson Dart as their quarterback of the future - a vote of confidence that could shape how they approach the top of the draft board.
Las Vegas, on the other hand, looks like a team ready to hit the reset button at quarterback. With no clear long-term option on the roster, the Raiders could be eyeing one of the top signal-callers in a draft class that, while not overflowing with elite quarterback talent, still features a few intriguing names.
Current 2026 NFL Draft Order (After Week 16)
Here’s how the draft order stands heading into Week 17, with a cluster of 3-12 teams right behind the Giants and Raiders:
- Giants (2-13)
- Raiders (2-13)
- Browns (3-12)
- Jets (3-12)
- Titans (3-12)
- Cardinals (3-12)
- Commanders (4-11)
- Saints (5-10)
- Bengals (5-10)
- Dolphins (6-9)
- Rams (via Falcons) (6-9)
- Chiefs (6-9)
- Cowboys (6-8-1)
- Ravens (7-8)
- Vikings (7-8)
- Buccaneers (7-8)
- Lions (8-7)
- Jets (via Colts) (8-7)
- Panthers (8-7)
- Steelers (9-6)
- Cowboys (via Packers) (9-5-1)
- Eagles (10-5)
- Texans (10-5)
- Bills (10-5)
- Chargers (11-4)
- 49ers (11-4)
Browns (via Jaguars) (11-4)
28.
Rams (11-4)
29.
Bears (11-4)
30.
Patriots (12-3)
31.
Broncos (12-3)
32.
Seahawks (12-3)
With several teams bunched together at the bottom, Week 17 and 18 results could shuffle this order significantly. But for now, the Giants and Raiders are staring at the inside track to the top pick.
Top Draft Prospects to Watch
While this draft class may not have a Trevor Lawrence-style consensus No. 1 quarterback, there’s no shortage of talent at key positions - especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Here’s a look at the top 10 prospects based on current rankings:
- Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Miami
- Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
- Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
- Dante Moore, QB, Oregon
- David Bailey, EDGE, Texas Tech
- Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
- Cashius Howell, EDGE, Texas A&M
- Kenyon Sadiq, TE, Oregon
- Carnell Tate, WR, Ohio State
- Sonny Styles, LB, Ohio State
Fernando Mendoza has vaulted himself into the No. 1 conversation after a Heisman-winning campaign at Indiana. His poise, arm talent, and leadership have scouts buzzing - and in a year where quarterback evaluations are murky, Mendoza has separated himself. Oregon’s Dante Moore is another name to watch; while his season wasn’t flawless, his tools and upside keep him firmly in the top-tier QB mix.
On the defensive side, Rueben Bain Jr. has been a force off the edge for Miami and could easily be the first non-quarterback off the board. Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs, both from Ohio State, have also built strong cases as top-10 picks. Reese brings sideline-to-sideline speed and a nose for the football, while Downs is a smart, instinctive safety who’s been a difference-maker all year.
Wide Receiver Market: Still Taking Shape
This year’s class may lack a Ja’Marr Chase-level consensus WR1, but there’s talent rising. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson has battled injuries, but when healthy, he’s shown the kind of burst and route-running that teams covet. Meanwhile, Ohio State’s Carnell Tate has steadily improved his stock, showing polish and big-play potential that could land him in the first round.
What’s Next?
As Week 17 looms, all eyes are on the Giants-Raiders showdown - not because of playoff implications, but because of what it could mean for the future. The winner gets a rare feel-good moment in a tough season.
The loser? A clearer shot at a franchise-altering pick.
With quarterback questions looming for several teams and a defensive class that’s quietly loaded, the 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing ones in recent memory. Whether it’s Mendoza, Bain, or a surprise riser, the No. 1 pick is still very much up for grabs - and the stakes couldn’t be higher.