This is a look at the first-round order for the 2026 NFL Draft heading into Week 8 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: .564
Remaining SOS: .420 (30)
Week 8 opponent: at Bengals
Biggest needs: QB, IOL, WR, RB, S
The winless Jets need a complete rebuild on offense in 2026, including along their interior O-line. Alijah Vera-Tucker (on season-ending IR with a torn triceps), Josh Myers and John Simpson are all set to become free agents.
Strength of schedule: .521
Remaining SOS: .439 (T-26)
Week 8 opponent: at Falcons
Biggest needs: CB, IOL, OT, QB, TE
There’s certainly an argument for QB to be Miami’s top priority. But Tua Tagovailoa’s contract still carries so much guaranteed money that he’s all but locked in as the team’s QB1 in 2026. If the Fins finish this season with a top-three pick, though, the allure of a new passer may be too hard to pass up. For now, we’re spotlighting a need at tight end, with Darren Waller (who will be 34 next September) on track to hit free agency in March.
Strength of schedule: .563
Remaining SOS: .529 (13)
Week 8 opponent: at Colts
Biggest needs: WR, Edge, CB, IOL, DL
Outside of Pro Bowler Jeffery Simmons (who exited Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury), the Titans have struggled to generate pressure. Expect them to target elite edge rushers, both in the draft and potentially in free agency.
Strength of schedule: .574
Remaining SOS: .433 (T-28)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Buccaneers
Biggest needs: IOL, QB, Edge, WR, TE
The Saints have made just three top-five selections since 1979, and all have been running backs: Reggie Bush (No. 2, 2006), Ricky Williams (No. 5, 1999) and George Rogers (No. 1, 1981). Although they may be in the market for multiple backs this spring (Alvin Kamara will be 31 in July, and Kendre Miller will be working his way back from an ACL tear), the value at this draft spot would better align with picking a WR. Of course, if the team decides neither Spencer Rattler nor Tyler Shough is the answer under center, then QB would trump all other priorities.
Strength of schedule: .550
Remaining SOS: .465 (23)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Bears
Biggest needs: Edge, IOL, TE, DL, CB
Even before all the injuries set in, Baltimore’s defense was playing well under expectations. While it's not the unit’s only problem, the lack of a consistent pass rush has clearly been an issue -- one GM Eric DeCosta will need to address in April’s draft.
Strength of schedule: .478
Remaining SOS: .439 (T-26)
Week 8 opponent: at Patriots
Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, Edge
Despite acquiring Tyson Campbell from the Jaguars earlier this month, the Browns will likely be in the cornerback market this offseason. They’ll at the very least need to add depth, with starter Martin Emerson (who tore his Achilles in July) set for free agency.
Strength of schedule: .520
Remaining SOS: .597 (1)
Week 8 opponent: at Eagles
Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, DL
If the Giants don’t address their receiver room before the 2025 trade deadline, I expect they’ll do so early in April’s draft -- especially with Malik Nabers recovering from a torn ACL.
Strength of schedule: .552
Remaining SOS: .596 (2)
Week 8 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: OT, DL, WR, RB, IOL
Receiver Michael Wilson is averaging just 9.1 yards per catch and impending free agent Zay Jones has yet to find the end zone this season. Now, inconsistent QB play could certainly be contributing to those unimpressive numbers, but everybody on Arizona’s offense -- including Kyler Murray, Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. -- would benefit from having another talented pass catcher on the outside.
Strength of schedule: .563
Remaining SOS: .542 (10)
Week 8 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR, OT
The Raiders signed LT Kolton Miller (currently on IR) to a three-year extension over the summer, and selected Charles Grant in the third round last April, but I still think they should find another lineman to challenge DJ Glaze at the right bookend.
Strength of schedule: .512
Remaining SOS: .558 (7)
Week 8 opponent: vs. 49ers
Biggest needs: IOL, DL, OT, S, LB
Defensive tackles Tim Settle and Folo Fatukasi are scheduled to be free agents in March, and Sheldon Rankins turns 32 in April. Head coach DeMeco Ryans should be looking for an up-and-comer to muddy the middle of the line.
Strength of schedule: .500
Remaining SOS: .544 (9)
Week 8 opponent: at Chiefs | MNF
Biggest needs: Edge, IOL, CB, WR, LB
Past second-round picks Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will likely start at outside corner and in the slot, respectively, in 2026. The Commanders should still be scouting the cornerback position since Marshon Lattimore has a big cap number in 2026, the final year of his deal. Also, Noah Igbinoghene and Jonathan Jones are impending free agents.
Strength of schedule: .598
Remaining SOS: .369 (31)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Jets
Biggest needs: Edge, OT, IOL, CB, S
The Bengals must once again address their offensive line this offseason. They selected right tackle Amarius Mims in the first round two years ago but left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.'s cap number increases significantly in 2026, which is the final season of his deal.
Strength of schedule: .479
Remaining SOS: .500 (18)
Week 8 opponent: at Broncos
Biggest needs: Edge, WR, RB, CB, OT
Running backs Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders are due to become free agents in 2026. If they go elsewhere, the Cowboys should look for a dynamic ball-carrier to pair with 2025 fifth-round pick Jaydon Blue.
Strength of schedule: .538
Remaining SOS: .563 (6)
Week 8 opponent: at Chargers | TNF
Biggest needs: CB, S, LB, WR, DL
Changes at off-ball linebacker could be in store for the Vikings in 2026. With Eric Wilson ticketed for free agency, a rookie might be competing against Blake Cashman and Ivan Pace Jr. for playing time.
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE ATLANTA FALCONS
Falcons' record: 3-3
Strength of schedule: .600
Remaining SOS: .455 (24)
Falcons' Week 8 opponent: vs. Dolphins
Rams' biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, S, LB
Starting right tackle Rob Havenstein is in his 11th season and his contract is set to expire in March. Backups D.J. Humphries and David Quessenberry are also heading for the open market, so the Rams might need to find a young starter early in the draft.
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Falcons' needs.
Strength of schedule: .385
Remaining SOS: .568 (5)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Bills
Biggest needs: IOL, S, LB, OT, Edge
Starting safety Nick Scott is in the final year of his contract and Tre'von Moehrig sees a significant increase in his pay next season. The Panthers selected Lathan Ransom in the fourth round this past April, but they should be eyeing another potential starter at safety in the top half of the 2026 draft.
Strength of schedule: .479
Remaining SOS: .536 (T-11)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Commanders | MNF
Biggest needs: TE, CB, RB, Edge, WR
Cornerback should be a priority this offseason with Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams playing on expiring deals. Trent McDuffie will be in the final year of his rookie deal in 2026. Nohl Williams should play a bigger role next season, but more depth is needed.
Strength of schedule: .427
Remaining SOS: .536 (T-11)
Week 8 opponent: at Ravens
Biggest needs: S, Edge, OT, RB, DL
Chicago's defense had one of its best days of the season against a moribund Saints offense on Sunday, but defensive ends Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo and Dominique Robinson have just 4.5 sacks between them. The Bears should be closely evaluating college edge rushers with Robinson an impending free agent and Odeyingbo and Sweat due a lot of money next season.
Playoff teams entering Week 8
Strength of schedule: .469
Remaining SOS: .515 (16)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Vikings | TNF
Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB, IOL, OT
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
Jaguars' record: 4-3
Strength of schedule: .583
Remaining SOS: .433 (T-28)
Jaguars' Week 8 opponent: BYE
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Jaguars' needs.
Strength of schedule: .275
Remaining SOS: .467 (22)
Week 8 opponent: at Panthers
Biggest needs: LB, Edge, CB, IOL, S
Strength of schedule: .439
Remaining SOS: .485 (T-20)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Packers | SNF
Biggest needs: QB, WR, CB, IOL, S
Strength of schedule: .362
Remaining SOS: .313 (32)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Browns
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, OT, DL, S
Strength of schedule: .429
Remaining SOS: .493 (19)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Cowboys
Biggest needs: LB, TE, WR, DL, OT
Strength of schedule: .489
Remaining SOS: .551 (8)
Week 8 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: CB, RB, IOL, S, WR
Strength of schedule: .511
Remaining SOS: .507 (17)
Week 8 opponent: BYE
See Pick No. 15 for analysis of the Rams' needs.
Strength of schedule: .511
Remaining SOS: .575 (3)
Week 8 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: Edge, CB, DL, IOL, LB
Strength of schedule: .521
Remaining SOS: .485 (T-20)
Week 8 opponent: at Texans
Biggest needs: WR, IOL, CB, OT, TE
Strength of schedule: .532
Remaining SOS: .441 (25)
Week 8 opponent: at Saints
Biggest needs: LB, TE, Edge, DL, IOL
Strength of schedule: .573
Remaining SOS: .522 (15)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Giants
Biggest needs: Edge, TE, CB, WR, IOL
PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE GREEN BAY PACKERS
Packers' record: 4-1-1
Strength of schedule: .440
Remaining SOS: .569 (4)
Week 8 opponent: at Steelers | SNF
See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Packers' needs.
Strength of schedule: .408
Remaining SOS: .522 (14)
Week 8 opponent: vs. Titans
Biggest needs: LB, CB, DL, Edge, QB
Teams without a 2026 first-round pick
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE LOS ANGELES RAMS
Week 8 opponent: vs. Dolphins
Biggest needs: WR, TE, DL, CB, LB
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS
Week 8 opponent: at Steelers | SNF
Biggest needs: DL, CB, OT, LB, IOL
TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE CLEVELAND BROWNS
Week 8 opponent: BYE
Biggest needs: WR, CB, DL, Edge, LB
