The 2025 NFL season has officially concluded, and with the Seattle Seahawks defeating the New England Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX (Super Bowl 60), the complete first-round order for the 2026 NFL Draft is now locked in. Adam Schefter of ESPN broke the news shortly after the game, sharing the final standings that set the stage for one of the most anticipated drafts in recent years.
The Las Vegas Raiders, who finished with one of the league’s worst records at 3-14, earned the coveted No. 1 overall pick. This positions them perfectly to select a potential franchise quarterback or elite talent in a class loaded with intriguing prospects.
Full 2026 NFL Draft First-Round Order (Top Highlights)
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New York Jets
- Arizona Cardinals
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Washington Commanders
- New Orleans Saints
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Miami Dolphins
- Dallas Cowboys
- Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons)
- Baltimore Ravens
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New York Jets (via Indianapolis Colts)
… - Denver Broncos
- New England Patriots
- Seattle Seahawks (Super Bowl champions)
The Seahawks, fresh off their championship win, will pick dead last at No. 32— a small price to pay for hoisting the Lombardi Trophy. The Patriots, despite a strong 14-3 campaign that reached the Super Bowl, land at No. 31.
Why This Draft Order Matters: Key Teams in Prime Position
- Las Vegas Raiders (No. 1): With the top selection, the Raiders are in prime position to land a transformative player. Early mock drafts and scouting reports frequently link them to top quarterback prospects like Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders or Miami’s Cam Ward, both of whom have generated significant buzz as potential franchise signal-callers.
- New York Jets (Nos. 2 & 16): The Jets hold two high picks, including the No. 2 overall selection and an additional first-rounder acquired via trade (from Indianapolis). This gives them exceptional flexibility to address multiple needs—whether that’s bolstering the offensive line, adding an edge rusher, or even making a bold move at quarterback amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding Aaron Rodgers’ future.
- Teams rebuilding or resetting: The Cardinals, Titans, Giants, and Browns (picks 3-6) all finished with poor records and now have high capital to rebuild around young cores or pivot at key positions.
The bottom of the first round reflects playoff success: teams eliminated early occupy picks 19-24, divisional-round losers 25-28, conference championship participants 29-30, and the Super Bowl teams 31-32.
What to Expect in the 2026 NFL Draft
This year’s class features strong depth at quarterback, with names like Shedeur Sanders and Cam Ward frequently projected in the top 5-10 across mock drafts. Other positions of note include elite edge rushers, wide receivers, and offensive linemen expected to go early.
As free agency, trades, and the NFL Scouting Combine approach in the coming weeks, expect movement—especially from quarterback-needy teams sitting in the top 10. The Raiders at No. 1 could set the tone for the entire draft.
Stay tuned for updated mock drafts, prospect breakdowns, and trade rumors as the road to the 2026 NFL Draft in April heats up. The Seahawks may have won the Super Bowl, but for many franchises, the real offseason victory starts on draft day.