Raiders Secure No. 1, Jets No. 2 in 2026 NFL Draft Order After Regular Season

Pittsburgh, United States
Sports Desk | NFL Coverage

The Las Vegas Raiders have clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft set for April 23–25 in Pittsburgh, with the New York Jets slotted second, league standings and official order projections show. The draft order for the first 18 picks was finalized after the conclusion of the 2025 regular season, using each team’s final record and strength of schedule to break ties, according to league sources.

Las Vegas finished the season with a 3-14 record and, despite a Week 18 victory, retains the top selection thanks to having the weakest strength of schedule among the league’s lowest-win teams, officials said. The Jets, also 3-14, sit second overall with a slightly tougher schedule. The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans, likewise 3-14, follow at Nos. 3 and 4.

The New York Giants, who entered the final week in position for the first pick, slid to fifth after closing the season with a win, followed by the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 and the Washington Commanders at No. 7. The New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins round out positions eight through 11, respectively.

Teams with identical records were sorted by schedule strength, the league’s primary tiebreaker for draft order, as outlined in NFL rules. Non-playoff teams receive the first 18 picks, with the remaining selections for playoff clubs determined by postseason outcomes.

The draft order includes several picks that have changed hands via prior trades, such as the Los Angeles Rams holding the 13th overall selection on behalf of the Atlanta Falcons and the Jets owning an additional 16th-overall pick acquired from the Indianapolis Colts.

The full first-round order through pick 18 reads:

1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
8. New Orleans Saints
9. Kansas City Chiefs
10. Cincinnati Bengals
11. Miami Dolphins
12. Dallas Cowboys
13. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta)
14. Baltimore Ravens
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
16. New York Jets (via Indianapolis)
17. Detroit Lions
18. Minnesota Vikings, according to the latest compiled order.

The early order sets up potential franchise-altering decisions for teams seeking quarterback talent or other foundational players. Analysts have highlighted Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza and Oregon’s Dante Moore among the top prospects expected to be in the conversation for early selections.

Remaining draft positions for teams advancing through the playoffs will be determined by their round of elimination and final outcomes. The full draft, covering all seven rounds, will conclude with 257 selections.

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