This is a look at the first-round order for the 2026 NFL Draft heading into Week 12 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: .621
Remaining SOS: .493 (T-18)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Seahawks
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, WR, IOL, DL
Tennessee has yet to score more than 22 points in a single game this season, highlighting the team's need for an elite playmaker on the perimeter.
Strength of schedule: .588
Remaining SOS: .460 (25)
Week 12 opponent: at Lions
Biggest needs: IOL, WR, CB, OT, RB
The Giants' new coaching staff will have plenty of decisions to make across the roster this offseason, but especially along the O-line. Starting guard Greg Van Roten and tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, who are both well into their 30s, are set to hit free agency, as are Evan Nealand Austin Schlottmann.
Strength of schedule: .495
Remaining SOS: .465 (24)
Week 12 opponent: at Raiders
Biggest needs: OT, IOL, QB, WR, CB
Browns receivers not named Jerry Jeudy have plenty to prove over the rest of this season. Cedric Tillman has just 16 catches in six games this season, while second-year player Jamari Thrash and undrafted rookie Isaiah Bond have combined for a mere 21. Of course, Cleveland needs more consistency under center, too. Add Dillon Gabriel (who exited Sunday's game after being evaluated for a concussion) and Shedeur Sanders to the list of young Browns players with a lot at stake down the stretch.
Strength of schedule: .543
Remaining SOS: .500 (T-15)
Week 12 opponent: at Ravens
Biggest needs: QB, CB, IOL, WR, DL
The Jets rank 32nd in passing this season, averaging nearly 20 fewer yards per game (139.9) than the next closest team (Cleveland). So Monday's news, that the team is turning the keys over to Tyrod Taylor for this weekend's game against the Ravens, isn't too surprising. But the QB change, and overall production from the position, suggests the whole on-field operation -- from passer to protection to pass catcher -- will need to be evaluated this offseason.
Strength of schedule: .572
Remaining SOS: .521 (10)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Browns
Biggest needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR, OT
Maxx Crosby is set to terrorize quarterbacks for the Silver and Black for years to come, but he's Vegas' only consistent producer at the position. Former top-10 pick Tyree Wilson hasn't lived up to his draft status and Malcolm Koonce is due to hit the open market in the spring. The Raiders need to add an impactful young pass rusher in April's draft.
Strength of schedule: .596
Remaining SOS: .347 (32)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Falcons
Biggest needs: IOL, Edge, CB, WR, QB
The trade of Trevor Penning to the Chargers ahead of the deadline was an unceremonious end to the former first-round pick's career in New Orleans. Guard Dillon Radunz and center Luke Fortner are impending free agents, too, so the Saints must rebuild the interior of their offensive line in 2026.
Strength of schedule: .478
Remaining SOS: .573 (5)
Week 12 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, LB, IOL
Injuries have dogged Washington's receiving corps all season, with Deebo Samuel the only wideout on the team who's run more than 200 routes this season (243). I expect GM Adam Peters to look for a bit more depth at the position in April.
Strength of schedule: .540
Remaining SOS: .486 (20)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Patriots
Biggest needs: IOL, CB, Edge, S, TE
Obviously, the Bengals have a lot of needs on defense, but edge rusher stands out. They have the second-fewest sacks in the league (14). Plus, Trey Hendrickson and Joseph Ossai are due to hit the open market this offseason.
Strength of schedule: .544
Remaining SOS: .557 (7)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Jaguars
Biggest needs: OT, WR, RB, QB, IOL
The right tackle spot must be addressed this offseason, with starter Jonah Williams and backup Kelvin Beachum ticketed for free agency. If the Cardinals don’t sign a veteran to play opposite Paris Johnson Jr., then they should use an early draft pick on the position.
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE ATLANTA FALCONS
Falcons' record: 3-7
Strength of schedule: .566
Remaining SOS: .429 (30)
Falcons' Week 12 opponent: at Saints
Rams' biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, S, LB
Right tackle Rob Havenstein will turn 34 years old in May and is playing on an expiring contract. I expect the Rams to draft another big-bodied tackle to battle 2023 fifth-round pick Warren McClendon for the starting RT spot.
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Falcons' needs.
Strength of schedule: .518
Remaining SOS: .459 (26)
Week 12 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, OT, QB, TE
Darren Waller gave the team's tight end group a boost earlier this season, but the 33-year-old hasn’t been able to stay healthy and his contract will expire in March. I’m expecting the Dolphins to address the position via free agency and the draft.
Strength of schedule: .535
Remaining SOS: .493 (17)
Week 12 opponent: at Packers
Biggest needs: CB, LB, S, WR, DL
Byron Murphy and Isaiah Rodgers will probably be back in 2026 but another outside corner with size should be added in the draft's first two days. Fabian Moreau and Jeff Okudah are both impending free agents.
Strength of schedule: .466
Remaining SOS: .479 (21)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Eagles
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, RB, S, CB
George Pickens, the Cowboys’ leader in receiving yards, is in the final year of his rookie contract, as is Jalen Tolbert. Dak Prescott is going to need another big-time receiver to round out the team's passing game.
Strength of schedule: .495
Remaining SOS: .500 (T-15)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Jets
Biggest needs: Edge, TE, IOL, DL, CB
Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a neck injury in September, leaving his long-term status in question. Also, John Jenkins, Travis Jones and Brent Urban are all impending free agents. I’m expecting the Ravens to select a defensive lineman no later than early on Day 3 of the draft.
Strength of schedule: .529
Remaining SOS: .507 (14)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Colts
Biggest needs: TE, CB, RB, DT, WR
If impending free agent Isiah Pacheco is not re-signed, the Chiefs should draft another tough ball-carrier to join seventh-rounder Brashard Smith in the backfield.
Strength of schedule: .549
Remaining SOS: .563 (6)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Bills | TNF
Biggest needs: IOL, DL, OT, LB, RB
Guards Ed Ingram and Laken Tomlinson are scheduled to hit the free-agent market in March. It's possible the Texans will play Tytus Howard inside long-term, but the team might still need a potential starter up front.
Strength of schedule: .446
Remaining SOS: .590 (3)
Week 12 opponent: at 49ers | MNF
Biggest needs: IOL, S, LB, CB, QB
There's not much depth behind Jaycee Horn and 2027 free agent Mike Jackson, so the Panthers should pick a player who can compete for snaps at cornerback in next year’s draft.
Strength of schedule: .490
Remaining SOS: .535 (9)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Giants
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, IOL, LB, DT
The Lions must find Aidan Hutchinson a pass-rush partner. Al-Quadin Muhammad has 6 sacks this season, but he’s scheduled to become a free agent in March, as are veterans Marcus Davenport and Josh Paschal.
Playoff teams entering Week 12
Strength of schedule: .505
Remaining SOS: .507 (13)
Week 12 opponent: at Bears
Biggest needs: QB, WR, CB, IOL, DL
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jaguars' record: 6-4
Strength of schedule: .534
Remaining SOS: .451 (28)
Jaguars' Week 12 opponent: at Cardinals
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Jaguars' needs.
Strength of schedule: .549
Remaining SOS: .438 (29)
Week 12 opponent: at Rams | SNF
Biggest needs: LB, TE, Edge, DL, IOL
Strength of schedule: .439
Remaining SOS: .549 (8)
Week 12 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB, IOL, OT
Strength of schedule: .477
Remaining SOS: .508 (12)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Panthers | MNF
Biggest needs: WR, IOL, CB, OT, TE
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE GREEN BAY PACKERS
Packers' record: 6-3-1
Strength of schedule: .422
Remaining SOS: .592 (T-1)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Vikings
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Packers' needs.
Strength of schedule: .348
Remaining SOS: .592 (T-1)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Steelers
Biggest needs: S, Edge, OT, DL, CB
Strength of schedule: .442
Remaining SOS: .493 (T-18)
Week 12 opponent: at Texans | TNF
Biggest needs: LB, Edge, CB, IOL, S
Strength of schedule: .480
Remaining SOS: .514 (11)
Week 12 opponent: at Titans
Biggest needs: CB, RB, IOL, S, WR
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Colts' record: 8-2
Strength of schedule: .427
Remaining SOS: .577 (4)
Week 12 opponent: at Chiefs
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Colts' needs.
Strength of schedule: .515
Remaining SOS: .459 (27)
Week 12 opponent: at Cowboys
Biggest needs: Edge, TE, CB, WR, IOL
Strength of schedule: .549
Remaining SOS: .479 (21)
Week 12 opponent: vs. Buccaneers
See Pick No. 10 for analysis of the Rams' needs.
Strength of schedule: .366
Remaining SOS: .371 (31)
Week 12 opponent: at Bengals
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, OT, DL, S
Strength of schedule: .424
Remaining SOS: .476 (23)
Week 12 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: LB, TE, DL, WR, OT
Teams without a 2026 first-round pick
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
Week 12 opponent: at Saints
Biggest needs: WR, DL, TE, CB, LB
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS
Week 12 opponent: vs. Vikings
Biggest needs: DL, CB, OT, LB, IOL
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE NEW YORK JETS
Week 12 opponent: at Chiefs
Biggest needs: LB, DL, Edge, OT, QB
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
Week 12 opponent: at Cardinals
Biggest needs: CB, DL, WR, LB, S
