Projected NFL Draft Order for 2026 After Week 13: Future Talents on the Rise

2026 NFL Draft Order: Early projections unveiled

The anticipation for the 2026 NFL Draft is already building. As teams battle for playoff spots, the focus is also shifting toward the next generation of football stars. early 2026 NFL Draft projections offer a glimpse into the potential landscape,highlighting key needs for each team and the top prospects available.

Projected Draft Order: Non-Playoff teams

Based on current standings through Week 12 of the 2025 season (as of November 25, 2025), the draft order takes shape. Remember, playoff outcomes will drastically alter the picks from 19-32.

Pick	Team	Projected Player	Position	College	Rationale
1	Tennessee Titans	Rueben Bain Jr.	EDGE	Miami	Elite edge rusher to bolster the pass rush.
2	New York Giants	Jordyn Tyson	WR	Arizona State	Explosive WR to give Daniel Jones (or successor) a true No. 1 target.
3	New York Jets	fernando Mendoza	QB	Indiana	Franchise QB solution.
4	Las Vegas Raiders	Dante Moore	QB	Oregon	Another QB-hungry team grabs the next best arm.
5	New Orleans Saints	Carnell Tate	WR	Ohio State	Rebuild the WR corps.
6	Cleveland Browns	Spencer Fano	OT	Utah	Protect Deshaun Watson.
7	Washington Commanders	T.J. Parker	EDGE	Clemson	Succession for aging vets.
8	Arizona Cardinals	Francis Mauigoa	OT	Miami	Versatile lineman to protect Kyler Murray.
9	Cincinnati Bengals	Jermod McCoy	CB	Tennessee	Lockdown corner to pair wiht existing talent.
10	Los Angeles Rams (from ATL)	Ty Simpson	QB	Alabama	Long-term QB answer.
11	Miami Dolphins	Mansoor Delane	CB	LSU	Speedy CB to fix secondary depth.
12	Minnesota Vikings	Avieon Terrell	CB	Clemson	Versatile DB to replace aging safeties like smith.
13	Dallas Cowboys	Keldric Faulk	EDGE	Auburn	Pass-rush help opposite Parsons.
14	Carolina Panthers	Parker Brailsford	IOL	Alabama	anchor the interior line.
15	Pittsburgh Steelers	LaNorris Sellers	QB	South Carolina	Bridge/competitor for aging Rodgers.
16	Kansas City Chiefs	Kenyon sadiq	TE	Oregon	Kelce insurance with a dynamic pass-catcher.
17	Houston Texans	Logan Jones	IOL	Iowa	stabilize the trenches.
18	Detroit Lions	David Bailey	EDGE	Texas Tech	Depth for injury-plagued rush.

Did You Know? The Tennessee Titans have the first pick.The Titans need to improve their pass rush, the top overall pick fits perfectly as a Day 1 starter.

Key Positions to watch

Quarterbacks, edge rushers, and offensive tackles are projected to be in high demand. Teams will be looking to secure their future with these crucial positions.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine for rising draft stock and the latest insights.

2026 NFL Draft Schedule and Location

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Acrisure Stadium.

• Round 1: Thursday, April 23, 2026
• Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 24
• Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 25

Evergreen Insights: The Value of Early Projections

Early NFL Draft projections offer more than just a glimpse into the future; they provide fans and analysts with a framework for understanding team needs and assessing talent. These projections help in:

• Identifying key positional battles to watch during the college season.
• Tracking the rise and fall of prospects as the draft approaches.
• Understanding how team strategies are likely to evolve.

By following these early insights, fans can stay ahead of the curve and gain a deeper gratitude for the draft process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2026 NFL Draft?

the draft will take place from April 23 to April 25, 2026.

Where is the 2026 NFL Draft being held?

The event will be in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, at Acrisure Stadium.

What determines the draft order?

The order is primarily based on reverse standings for non-playoff teams.

Which positions are considered the strongest in this draft?

Early projections suggest strong classes of quarterbacks,edge rushers,and offensive tackles.

How can fans stay informed about the draft?

Follow reputable sources like Archyde for updated projections, mock drafts, and player profiles.

What are your thoughts on your team’s projected needs? which prospects are you most excited to watch? Share your comments below!

What impact could a late-season surge or collapse have on a team’s draft position and strategy?

Top 5 Projected Picks – Early Contenders

the 2026 NFL Draft class is already generating significant buzz,and after Week 13 of college football,several players are solidifying their positions as potential top picks. Here’s a look at the projected draft order, focusing on the teams most likely to be selecting at the top and the prospects they’ll be eyeing. This analysis considers team needs, current performance, and rising stars in the college ranks. We’ll be focusing on key positions like quarterback prospects, offensive tackles, and edge rushers – consistently high-demand roles in the NFL.

1. Arizona Cardinals (1-11): Caleb Williams-esque potential in USC QB, Jaxson Bell. Bell’s arm talent and mobility are drawing comparisons to the reigning #1 pick. The Cardinals desperately need a franchise quarterback.
2. Chicago Bears (2-10): (via Carolina Panthers) – Marvin Harrison Jr. Jr., WR, Ohio State. Even with a potential QB already on the roster, a talent like Harrison is too good to pass up. Building around a star receiver is a smart move.
3. New England Patriots (2-10): Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame. The Patriots’ offensive line needs a complete overhaul. Alt is widely considered the top offensive tackle in the class, offering immediate impact. Protecting a future quarterback is paramount.
4. New York Giants (3-9): Dallas Turner, EDGE, Alabama. The Giants need a consistent pass rusher. Turner possesses the speed, power, and technique to become a dominant force off the edge.
5. Tennessee Titans (4-8): Cooper DeJean, CB, Iowa. A versatile defensive back who excels in coverage and as a returner.The Titans need to bolster their secondary and special teams.

Teams on the Rise (and Fall) in the Draft order

Several teams are experiencing shifts in their projected draft positions due to recent performance. Understanding these changes is crucial for predicting which teams will be in a position to snag top talent.

* Arizona Cardinals: Their struggles continue, solidifying their position at the top.

* Chicago Bears: The Panthers’ losing streak is benefiting the Bears, perhaps landing them a premium pick.

* New England patriots: A tough season has positioned them well for a top-5 selection.

* Los Angeles rams: A late-season collapse could see them move into the top 10,potentially targeting a defensive playmaker.

* New Orleans Saints: While competitive, their aging roster suggests they may need to rebuild through the draft.

Key Position Battles & Rising Prospects

Beyond the top 5, several position groups are seeing intense competition among draft-eligible players. here’s a breakdown of key battles and prospects to watch:

Quarterback Rankings – Beyond Jaxson Bell

The 2026 NFL Draft quarterback class is shaping up to be intriguing. While Bell leads the pack, several other signal-callers are making a name for themselves:

1. Jaxson Bell (USC) – Elite arm talent, high ceiling.
2. Michael Penix Jr. (Washington) – Experienced, accurate passer.
3. Jalen Milroe (Alabama) – Dual-threat ability, improving decision-making.
4. Kyron Drones (baylor) – Strong arm, developing accuracy.

Offensive Line Depth – Protecting the Future

The demand for quality offensive linemen remains high. Beyond joe Alt, keep an eye on:

* Will Campbell (LSU) – powerful run blocker, improving pass protection.

* Troy Fautanu (Washington) – Versatile lineman,capable of playing multiple positions.

* Ethan Driskell (Marshall) – Underrated tackle with good size and athleticism.

Defensive Playmakers – Impactful Edge Rushers & cornerbacks

Teams are always searching for game-changing defenders. The edge rusher and cornerback positions are notably deep in this class: