The 2026 NFL Draft begins Thursday at 8 p.m. ET, starting with the Las Vegas Raiders. Teams will make selections based on their needs and draft order.
Key points
2026 NFL Draft starts Thursday at 8 p.m. ET
Las Vegas Raiders have the first pick
Teams will select based on their needs
Draft order and team positions are crucial
Las Vegas RaidersNFL Draft
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Imagn Images
The 2026 NFL Draft is finally here. On Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET, the Las Vegas Raiders will officially be on the clock to kick off the festivities. We already know with a great deal of certainty who will come off the board with that selection, but from there, everything is on the table, and it should be a whole lot of fun to find out who lands where.
Where is each team picking in the first round? And which positions might they address? Those answers and more can be found below.
As a reminder, six teams -- Cincinnati, Atlanta, Green Bay, Indianapolis, Denver and Jacksonville -- do not own a first-round pick in 2026 due to trades, including the Micah Parsons, Sauce Gardner, Dexter Lawrence and Jaylen Waddle deals.
Las Vegas overextended last offseason, drafting a running back in the top 10 and trading for a 35-year-old quarterback despite having one of the league's worst rosters. As a result, the Raiders fired head coach Pete Carroll after one season and now pick even earlier in the draft under new head coach Klint Kubiak.
The Jets finished with one of the worst records in the league, but at least they have a plan and have positioned themselves to change the course of the franchise. Over the next two years, New York has five first-round picks.
The positive momentum Tennessee built over the final month of the regular season came to a frustrating end in the finale. Still, Cam Ward's strong finish to the 2025 campaign, along with Robert Saleh's defensive prowess, should give Titans fans hope in 2026 and beyond.
Key additions: DL John Franklin-Myers, WR Wan'Dale Robinson, EDGE Jermaine Johnson II (via trade), G Cordell Volson, CB Alontae Taylor, CB Cordale Flott, TE Daniel Bellinger, DL Jordan Elliott, DL Solomon Thomas (via trade), EDGE Jacob Martin, C Austin Schlottmann, CB Joshua Williams, P Tommy Townsend
There are reasons to be optimistic about Jaxson Dart's future with the franchise. He brought life to an offense that could have easily wallowed in self-pity after the Malik Nabers and Andrew Thomas injuries. John Harbaugh can bring the accountability and respect the organization has lacked.
Key additions: LB Tremaine Edmunds, TE Isaiah Likely, CB Greg Newsome II, P Jordan Stout, FB Patrick Ricard, K Jason Sanders, S Ar'Darius Washington, WR Darnell Mooney
The Browns parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons and hired Todd Monken as his replacement. Stefanski led the franchise to its first playoff win post-expansion but struggled to identify a franchise quarterback.
Next season is an easy sell for Washington. If Jayden Daniels returns healthy, they will be competitive again, but the roster still has plenty of needs, especially on defense. An attempt to microwave those weaknesses in Dan Quinn's first season did not work.
Key additions: EDGE Odafe Oweh (read more), LB Leo Chenal, DL Tim Settle, CB Amik Robertson, EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson, TE Chigoziem Okonkwo, S Nick Cross, RB Rachaad White, RB Jerome Ford
The Saints' season ended just as fans were clamoring for more of Tyler Shough. He looks like the clear favorite to open next season as the starting quarterback, bringing a level of optimism that didn't exist earlier in the year.
Key additions: RB Travis Etienne Jr. (read more), G David Edwards, LB Kaden Elliss, TE Noah Fant, P Ryan Wright
Kansas City will enter next season in unfamiliar territory: the hungry underdog. Assuming Patrick Mahomes is fully healthy, there's no reason to believe the Chiefs won't be in the mix again. However, they have a deteriorating roster that needs a youthful infusion.
There are reasons to be optimistic about Jaxson Dart's future with the franchise. He brought life to an offense that could have easily wallowed in self-pity after the Malik Nabers and Andrew Thomas injuries. John Harbaugh can bring the accountability and respect the organization has lacked.
Key additions: LB Tremaine Edmunds, TE Isaiah Likely, CB Greg Newsome II, P Jordan Stout, FB Patrick Ricard, K Jason Sanders, S Ar'Darius Washington, WR Darnell Mooney
Fans can say what they want about the Mike McDaniel era in Miami, but few had such a distinct offensive identity as the Dolphins' former coach. It is a fresh start for the organization with a new general manager, head coach and quarterback.
Key additions: QB Malik Willis (read more), EDGE Josh Uche, S Zayne Anderson, WR Tutu Atwell, CB Marco Wilson
Key re-signings: TE Greg Dulcich, LB Willie Gay Jr.
Key departures: QB Tua Tagovailoa, S Minkah Fitzpatrick (via trade), FB Alec Ingold, OT Larry Borom, G Cole Strange, EDGE Bradley Chubb, TE Julian Hill
Dallas is once again searching for answers this offseason. Dak Prescott was healthy, yet the team still failed to reach the playoffs with a new head coach. It feels as though Jerry Jones may push all his chips to the center of the table for 2026.
Key additions: EDGE Rashan Gary (via trade), S Jalen Thompson, S PJ Locke, LB Tyrus Wheat, DL Otito Ogbonnia, CB Cobie Durant
Sean McVay is still armed with a first-round pick after last year's deal with the Falcons. They have been aggressive in pursuit of another Super Bowl during the Matthew Stafford era.
Key additions: CB Trent McDuffie (via trade), CB Jaylen Watson, LS Joe Cardona
For the first time since 2007, the Ravens will have a new head coach after firing John Harbaugh. Jesse Minter has been tabbed as Harbaugh's replacement.
Key additions: G John Simpson, EDGE Trey Hendrickson, S Jaylinn Hawkins
Other organizations have been quick to fire head coaches, but the Buccaneers went down the path of dismissing coordinators rather than a change at the top. 2026 is an important year for Todd Bowles.
Key additions: LB Alex Anzalone, RB Kenneth Gainwell, DL A'Shawn Robinson, QB Jake Browning, DE Al-Quadin Muhammad
The Jets finished with one of the worst records in the league, but at least they have a plan and have positioned themselves to change the course of the franchise. Over the next two years, New York has five first-round picks.
The departures of coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn after the 2024 season were likely understated in the moment given the presence Dan Campbell has over that organization. Those absences, along with a few veteran offensive line departures, led to a much more tumultuous season.
J.J. McCarthy's volatile season was once the expectation for a young quarterback, but recent rookie performances from Jayden Daniels and C.J. Stroud set unrealistic expectations for the majority. Caleb Williams is proof that situation matters.
Although a home wild card loss was not a desirable conclusion, the Panthers have to be pleased with how the season played out considering they picked in the top 10 the previous April.
Dallas is once again searching for answers this offseason. Dak Prescott was healthy, yet the team still failed to reach the playoffs with a new head coach. It feels as though Jerry Jones may push all his chips to the center of the table for 2026.
Key additions: EDGE Rashan Gary (via trade), S Jalen Thompson, S PJ Locke, LB Tyrus Wheat, DL Otito Ogbonnia, CB Cobie Durant
A frustrating season, for fans and receivers alike, came to an end against the 49ers. The Eagles are believed to be considering a trade of A.J. Brown and have since replaced the offensive coordinator and offensive line coach.
Key additions: CB Riq Woolen, TE Johnny Mundt, CB Jonathan Jones
Key re-signings: TE Dallas Goedert, TE Grant Calcaterra, P Braden Mann
The Browns parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski after six seasons and hired Todd Monken as his replacement. Stefanski led the franchise to its first playoff win post-expansion but struggled to identify a franchise quarterback.
San Francisco exceeded expectation considering the injuries and drama with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers will be back in the hunt if they pull a few of the right levers this offseason.
Key additions: WR Mike Evans (read more), OT Vederian Lowe, OL Brett Toth, DT Osa Odighizuwa (via trade), LB Dre Greenlaw, CB Nate Hobbs
Key re-signings: K Eddy Pineiro, TE Jake Tonges, LS Jon Weeks
Key departures: WR Kendrick Bourne, DL Jordan Elliott, WR Skyy Moore
Kansas City will enter next season in unfamiliar territory: the hungry underdog. Assuming Patrick Mahomes is fully healthy, there's no reason to believe the Chiefs won't be in the mix again. However, they have a deteriorating roster that needs a youthful infusion.
Fans can say what they want about the Mike McDaniel era in Miami, but few had such a distinct offensive identity as the Dolphins' former coach. It is a fresh start for the organization with a new general manager, head coach and quarterback.
Key additions: QB Malik Willis (read more), EDGE Josh Uche, S Zayne Anderson, WR Tutu Atwell, CB Marco Wilson
Key re-signings: TE Greg Dulcich, LB Willie Gay Jr.
Key departures: QB Tua Tagovailoa, S Minkah Fitzpatrick (via trade), FB Alec Ingold, OT Larry Borom, G Cole Strange, EDGE Bradley Chubb, TE Julian Hill
The Patriots experienced a magical one-year turnaround to advance to their first Super Bowl since 2019. All eyes are on Mike Vrabel and his team's encore performance.
Key additions: WR Romeo Doubs, EDGE Dre'Mont Jones, G Alijah Vera-Tucker, FB Reggie Gilliam, LB KJ Britt, S Kevin Byard, TE Julian Hill
Key re-signings:
Key departures: C Garrett Bradbury (via trade), DL Khyiris Tonga, TE Austin Hooper, S Jaylinn Hawkins, EDGE K'Lavon Chaisson
The Seahawks secured their second Super Bowl title after dismantling the Patriots. Coach Mike Macdonald built one of the league's most dominant defenses in just two seasons, while free agent signing Sam Darnold completed his career resurgence with a Lombardi Trophy.
Atlanta fired Raheem Morris as head coach and sent its first-round pick to Los Angeles as part of trading up for James Pearce Jr. Kevin Stefanski is no stranger to not having a first-round pick, as the Browns did not have one in three of his six years leading the franchise.
Joe Burrow made a strong push to get the Bengals into the playoffs after suffering an early-season injury but ultimately fell short. The offense should be in position to compete next season, but can the defense improve enough to get stops?
Key additions: S Bryan Cook, EDGE Boye Mafe, DL Jonathan Allen, DT Dexter Lawrence
It was a terrible end to the season for Denver. Fans will live with "what if" Bo Nix had not gotten injured. Still, the franchise is headed in the right direction with head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos are without a first-round pick because of the Jaylen Waddle trade.
Matt LaFleur is looking to re-tool the Packers offense after another early playoff exit. Green Bay is without its first-round pick as a result of the Micah Parsons deal.
The Colts sending the Jets a first-round pick looked worse by the week as cornerback Sauce Gardner struggled to stay healthy -- not that it mattered after Daniel Jones' season-ending Achilles tear. Indianapolis hopes the Gardner trade pays dividends in 2026.
Key additions: EDGE Arden Key, DL Colby Wooden (via trade), EDGE Micheal Clemons, DL Derrick Nnadi, S Jonathan Owens
Key departures: WR Michael Pittman Jr. (via trade), LB Zaire Franklin (via trade), OT Braden Smith, EDGE Kwity Paye, DL Neville Gallimore, S Nick Cross
The Jaguars have every reason to celebrate their accomplishments this season. Yes, they lost in the wild card round as the home team, but a year ago, they were making preparations for the No. 5 overall pick. The future is bright for a team who played most of this season without No. 2 overall selection Travis Hunter.
