The NFL season is barreling toward its final stretch, and while some teams are eyeing playoff seeding, others are staring down a very different kind of race - the sprint to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Thirteen teams have already been mathematically eliminated from postseason contention, and for them, the focus has shifted to the future.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the franchises most likely to shape the top of the 2026 draft board - who’s loaded with picks, who’s in desperate need of a reset, and who might be just one smart draft away from turning things around.
New York Jets (3-11)
Projected picks: 5, 18, 36, 46, 105, 177*, 196, 204, 212, 218, 239, 253*, 255*, 257*
The Jets are sitting on a gold mine of draft capital - and they’re going to need every ounce of it. Their aggressive trade deadline moves have set them up with two first-rounders and two second-rounders in 2026, plus three more first-round picks in 2027.
That’s 10 top-100 selections over the next two years. Simply put, that’s the kind of ammo that can flip a franchise on its head - if the front office gets it right.
The interesting wrinkle here? They don’t have to take a quarterback in this draft. That flexibility opens the door for a best-player-available approach, and if they can hit on even four of their top five picks in 2026, they’ll be in a strong position to go QB-hunting in 2027 - ideally with a more complete roster already in place.
But let’s be clear: there’s no room for error. The Jets are in deep, and this draft class could be the lifeline they’ve been waiting for.
Cleveland Browns (3-11)
Projected picks: 4, 28, 38, 69, 104, 141, 146, 148, 208, 245
Cleveland’s got two first-rounders and a likely third pick inside the top 40. That’s a strong foundation for a team that’s already seen solid returns from its 2025 draft class - Mason Graham, Carson Schwesinger, Quinshon Judkins, and Harold Fannin Jr. have all shown signs of being long-term contributors.
Still, the Browns are playing catch-up from a three-year stretch (2022-24) with no first-round picks. That’s a tough hole to climb out of, and they’ll need another strong class in 2026 to keep the rebuild on track.
Quarterback remains a looming question. Whether or not Shedeur Sanders finishes the year strong, Cleveland may opt to wait another year to pull the trigger on a QB - especially if they believe they’ll be picking high again in 2027. In the meantime, this is a perfect opportunity to reinforce the offensive line and add firepower at receiver, setting the stage for whoever eventually steps under center.
Las Vegas Raiders (2-12)
Projected picks: 2, 33, 67, 102, 111, 136*, 173*, 183, 186, 217
The Raiders are in quarterback purgatory. Geno Smith is 35, Kenny Pickett hasn’t shown he’s the guy, and Aidan O’Connell looks like a solid backup - not a franchise cornerstone. That makes Vegas one of the most QB-needy teams in the league heading into the 2026 draft.
But here’s the catch: the roster needs help everywhere. If they land the No. 1 pick, trading down might be the smart move - stockpile picks, fill holes, and build a foundation before dropping a rookie quarterback into the mix.
If they do go QB early, they better find someone mentally tough. This isn’t an ideal situation for a young signal-caller.
It’s not quite Cam Ward-in-Tennessee levels of chaos, but it’s close. Whoever they bring in will need to be able to weather some early storms.
New York Giants (2-12)
Projected picks: 1, 35, 101, 143, 182, 193, 194
The Giants currently hold the top pick, but there’s still time for that to shift. What’s intriguing is that they seem committed to Jaxson Dart at quarterback - at least for now.
That opens the door for a potential blockbuster trade if they stay at No. 1.
With QB-hungry teams behind them, New York could flip the top pick into a haul of assets.
Unlike some of the other bottom-tier teams, the Giants don’t have a ton of draft capital this year. But they do have a young roster and should be significantly healthier by next season. If Dart continues to develop and stays on the field, this could be a team just one strong draft away from being back in the playoff mix.
A lot of that hinges on GM Joe Schoen’s ability to pull the right strings this spring.
Tennessee Titans (2-12)
Projected picks: 3, 34, 65, 103, 142, 144, 181, 243
The Titans have their quarterback in Cam Ward - and they’ve put him through the wringer this season. The rookie has taken his lumps, but he’s shown the mental toughness you want to see from a young leader. Now it’s time to get him some help.
The front seven needs a major overhaul. The offensive line still isn’t where it needs to be.
They’re thin at wide receiver and still need help in the secondary. In short, there are holes all over the depth chart.
The Titans have a decent amount of draft capital, and if the opportunity to trade down presents itself, they should seriously consider it. They’ve got the quarterback. Now they need to build the team around him.
A Couple of Teams in Tough Spots
Atlanta Falcons (5-9)
Projected picks: 42, 74, 110, 190, 225
Atlanta took a big swing in 2025, sending a haul to the Rams - including their 2026 first-rounder - to move up for James Pearce Jr. That bet has paid off individually, as Pearce leads all rookies with nine sacks. But with the Falcons sitting at 5-9 and out of the playoff picture, the cost of that move is starting to sting.
The roster has young talent, but the direction feels murky. They’re not bottoming out, but they’re not climbing either. Atlanta needs a spark - whether that comes through development, coaching changes, or a savvy draft - because right now, they’re stuck in neutral.
Washington Commanders (4-10)
Projected picks: 8, 73, 147, 189, 191, 223
This season has been a gut punch for the Commanders. After Jayden Daniels’ electric rookie campaign, expectations were high. But a tougher schedule and a brutal injury to Daniels - who missed half the year and is now out for the season - derailed everything.
The roster has crumbled under pressure, and Washington is now staring at a long offseason. They’ll need to find a way to bring in more draft capital if they want to speed up the rebuild. Right now, this team needs help in too many areas to count - and without a first-round pick surplus, they’ll have to get creative.
The Bottom Line
For the teams already eliminated from playoff contention, the 2026 NFL Draft is more than just a chance to reload - it’s a shot at real transformation. Some, like the Jets and Browns, are armed with enough picks to reshape their futures. Others, like the Raiders and Giants, face critical decisions that could define the next five years of their franchises.
One thing’s for sure: the race for the No. 1 pick is just as intense - and just as meaningful - as the race for the Lombardi.