This is a look at the first-round order for the 2026 NFL Draft heading into Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season, along with the top five needs for each team. The order is determined by record, using strength of schedule as the first tiebreaker (click here to see a full list of the draft-order tiebreakers). Keep in mind -- teams that would make the playoffs if the season ended today are marked as PL (short for playoffs) in the order below. The draft order for playoff teams is determined by the results of postseason play.
2026 NFL Draft order, Picks 1-18
Strength of schedule: .623
Remaining SOS: .493 (T-16)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Jaguars
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, WR, IOL, DL
Tennessee should be able to move this selection to a QB-needy team for a significant return. In the scenario the Titans end up with multiple first-round picks, they should strongly consider using one on an elite cornerback prospect.
Strength of schedule: .594
Remaining SOS: .438 (27)
Week 13 opponent: at Patriots | MNF
Biggest needs: IOL, WR, CB, OT, LB
Whether the Giants stay put or attempt to trade down, the team should target one of the top receivers in the 2026 class.
Strength of schedule: .533
Remaining SOS: .507 (14)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Falcons
Biggest needs: QB, CB, IOL, WR, DL
Starting guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, who tore his triceps days before the Jets' season kicked off, will be a free agent this spring. So will his replacement, veteran John Simpson, and starting center Josh Myers. So the interior of New York's offensive line will likely look significantly different next season.
Strength of schedule: .553
Remaining SOS: .567 (6)
Week 13 opponent: at Chargers
Biggest needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR, LB
With one of the toughest remaining schedules in the league, the Raiders could find themselves even higher on the draft board by season's end. If they finish with a top-five selection (or better), it's hard to imagine they'd pass up an opportunity to land a potential franchise quarterback.
Strength of schedule: .568
Remaining SOS: .343 (32)
Week 13 opponent: at Dolphins
Biggest needs: WR, IOL, Edge, CB, QB
After parting ways with Rashid Shaheed (trade) and Brandin Cooks (release) over the past few weeks, New Orleans will need to beef up its WR room during the offseason. I could see the Saints signing a couple of veterans in free agency before selecting a pass catcher early in the draft.
Strength of schedule: .471
Remaining SOS: .493 (T-16)
Week 13 opponent: vs. 49ers
Biggest needs: OT, IOL, QB, WR, CB
Even if Myles Harden sticks as the team's nickelback next season, the injured Martin Emerson is an impending free agent. There's little depth on the outside behind Denzel Ward and Tyson Campbell.
Strength of schedule: .500
Remaining SOS: .545 (10)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Broncos
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, LB, IOL
Although I wouldn't expect them to target an off-ball linebacker this high, the Commanders need a clear succession plan for defensive leader Bobby Wagner. The perennial Pro Bowler turns 36 this summer and is due to hit the open market.
Strength of schedule: .556
Remaining SOS: .561 (8)
Week 13 opponent: at Buccaneers
Biggest needs: OT, WR, RB, QB, IOL
Michael Wilson has broken out with Marvin Harrison Jr. sidelined the last two weeks, but the upcoming free agency of Greg Dortch and Zay Jones means the Cardinals could be in the receiver market again this offseason.
Strength of schedule: .570
Remaining SOS: .439 (T-25)
Week 13 opponent: at Ravens | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: CB, Edge, S, IOL, TE
The Bengals have relied on rookies Dylan Fairchild and Jalen Rivers to man the guard spots for much of this season. Fairchild could stick on the left side next year, but Cincinnati should bring in competition for Rivers and center Ted Karras to ensure the line can keep Joe Burrow upright in 2026.
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE ATLANTA FALCONS
Falcons' record: 4-7
Strength of schedule: .512
Remaining SOS: .455 (T-23)
Falcons' Week 13 opponent: at Jets
Rams' biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, S, LB
The Rams have the league’s No. 1 scoring defense right now, but cornerback figures to be a priority for the team this offseason. Week 12 star Cobie Durant (pick-six, tackle for loss against Tampa Bay), Ahkello Witherspoon and trade-deadline acquisition Roger McCreary are all headed for free agency.
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Falcons' needs.
Strength of schedule: .512
Remaining SOS: .433 (T-28)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Saints
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, OT, QB, TE
The Dolphins spent a top-40 pick on Jonah Savaiinaea this year, but interior offensive line depth is going to require their attention again in 2026. Liam Eichenberg (who has not played this season due to injury), Cole Strange and Daniel Brunskill are all ticketed for free agency.
Strength of schedule: .558
Remaining SOS: .493 (T-16)
Week 13 opponent: at Seahawks
Biggest needs: CB, LB, S, WR, DL
Harrison Smith has had an excellent 14 seasons with the Vikings, but he's due to hit free agency at 37 years old in March. Josh Metellus, Theo Jackson and Jay Ward remain at the safety position, but Minnesota should still be looking to add another potential starter in the middle rounds.
Strength of schedule: .476
Remaining SOS: .433 (T-28)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Chiefs | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, RB, S, LB
Off-ball linebacker depth could be a spot for the Cowboys to address. They acquired Logan Wilson before the trade deadline and DeMarvion Overshown recently returned from injury, but Kenneth Murray is playing on an expiring contract.
Strength of schedule: .478
Remaining SOS: .564 (7)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Rams
Biggest needs: IOL, LB, QB, S, CB
Fourth-round rookie Lathan Ransom could win a starting job next season if Nick Scott departs in free agency, but Carolina should draft a versatile defender as an insurance policy.
Strength of schedule: .520
Remaining SOS: .500 (15)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Bills
Biggest needs: QB, WR, CB, IOL, DL
The Steelers should be looking for a long-term answer at quarterback in next year's draft, even if Aaron Rodgers decides to play another season with Pittsburgh.
Strength of schedule: .541
Remaining SOS: .462 (22)
Week 13 opponent: at Cowboys | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: TE, CB, RB, DL, WR
Perennial Pro Bowl tight end Travis Kelce said last week that he will wait until after the season to decide on whether to retire. Noah Gray is signed through 2027, but Patrick Mahomes will need another top-notch pass-catcher if Kelce calls it quits.
Strength of schedule: .566
Remaining SOS: .515 (12)
Week 13 opponent: at Colts
Biggest needs: IOL, DL, OT, RB, LB
Running back Woody Marks has had his moments during his rookie season, but the Texans should still use a Day 3 pick on a ball-carrier. They recently released Dameon Pierce, Nick Chubb enters free agency in 2026 and Joe Mixon, who turns 30 this summer, is not expected to play this season, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.
Strength of schedule: .463
Remaining SOS: .606 (4)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Packers | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, IOL, LB, DL
Cornerback depth should be a top priority for the Lions with injuries hitting them hard at the position. Amik Robertson, Avonte Maddox and Rock Ya-Sin are headed for free agency.
Playoff teams entering Week 13
Strength of schedule: .488
Remaining SOS: .530 (11)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Bengals | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: Edge, TE, IOL, DL, CB
Strength of schedule: .577
Remaining SOS: .368 (31)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Cardinals
Biggest needs: LB, TE, Edge, DL, CB
Strength of schedule: .426
Remaining SOS: .553 (9)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Raiders
Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB, IOL, OT
Strength of schedule: .455
Remaining SOS: .478 (20)
Week 13 opponent: at Steelers
Biggest needs: LB, Edge, WR, CB, IOL
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jaguars' record: 7-4
Strength of schedule: .520
Remaining SOS: .439 (T-25)
Jaguars' Week 13 opponent: at Titans
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Jaguars' needs.
Strength of schedule: .485
Remaining SOS: .509 (13)
Week 13 opponent: at Browns
Biggest needs: WR, IOL, DL, CB, OT
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE GREEN BAY PACKERS
Packers' record: 7-3-1
Strength of schedule: .411
Remaining SOS: .636 (1)
Week 13 opponent: at Lions | Thanksgiving
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Packers' needs.
Strength of schedule: .365
Remaining SOS: .612 (3)
Week 13 opponent: at Eagles | Fri.
Biggest needs: S, Edge, OT, DL, CB
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Colts' record: 8-3
Strength of schedule: .430
Remaining SOS: .627 (2)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Texans
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Colts' needs.
Strength of schedule: .443
Remaining SOS: .574 (5)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Vikings
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, RB, S, WR
Strength of schedule: .516
Remaining SOS: .455 (T-23)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Bears | Fri.
Biggest needs: Edge, TE, CB, WR, IOL
Strength of schedule: 414
Remaining SOS: .492 (19)
Week 13 opponent: at Commanders | SNF
Biggest needs: LB, TE, DL, WR, OT
Strength of schedule: .553
Remaining SOS: .463 (21)
Week 13 opponent: at Panthers
See Pick No. 10 for analysis of the Rams' needs.
Strength of schedule: .346
Remaining SOS: .375 (30)
Week 13 opponent: vs. Giants | MNF
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, OT, DL, S
Teams without a 2026 first-round pick
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
Week 13 opponent: at Jets
Biggest needs: WR, TE, DL, CB, LB
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS
Week 13 opponent: at Lions | Thanksgiving
Biggest needs: DL, CB, OT, LB, IOL
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE NEW YORK JETS
Week 13 opponent: vs. Texans
Biggest needs: LB, DL, Edge, OT, QB
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
Week 13 opponent: at Titans
Biggest needs: CB, DL, WR, LB, S
