For fourteen sides, Week 18 of the regular season represents the beginning of a new season — one in which each side's result is far more consequential than the last.
For the other 18 teams that make up the NFL ecosystem, Week 18 is simply a means to an end. It is a merciful close to a merciless season, one in which splendor and delight turns to wickedness as losses pile up. Their titles lose their luster upon the conclusion of the year, while they prepare for hibernation during a brisk winter and spring.
Even in the dark, though, there is light. Because the league's worst sides are rewarded with a rather remarkable platform — draft picks.
While those atop the NFL standings are jostling for postseason seeding, a similarly contentious battle is taking place in the cellar. The Raiders, Giants, Jets, Titans and Cardinals all sit at the bottom of the league standings, meaning they'll land a crown jewel of sorts in terms of draft position.
While that's not a guaranteed indicator of success, it can prove consequential. Sides like the Patriots, Seahawks and Broncos all built through the draft, crafting Super Bowl-caliber rosters one pick at a time.
So, just what does the NFL Draft order look like after Week 18? Here's a look at team's first-round draft positions during the final week of the regular season.
MORE 2026 NFL DRAFT:
- Ohio State steals show in first round of 2026 NFL mock draft
- Ranking 10 best NFL Draft prospects in 2025 College Football Playoff
NFL Draft order 2026
| Pick | Team | New Record |
| 1 | Raiders | 2-14 |
| 2 | Giants | 3-13 |
| 3 | Jets | 3-13 |
| 4 | Titans | 3-13 |
| 5 | Cardinals | 3-13 |
| 6 | Browns | 4-12 |
| 7 | Commanders | 4-12 |
| 8 | Saints | 6-10 |
| 9 | Chiefs | 6-10 |
| 10 | Bengals | 6-10 |
| 11 | Dolphins | 7-9 |
| 12 | Rams (via Falcons) | 7-9 |
| 13 | Cowboys | 7-8-1 |
| 14 | Panthers | 8-9 |
| 15 | Lions | 8-8 |
| 16 | Ravens | 8-8 |
| 17 | Vikings | 8-8 |
| 18 | Jets (via Colts) | 8-8 |
| 19 | Buccaneers | 8-9 |
| 20 | Steelers | 9-7 |
| 21 | Cowboys (via Packers) | 9-6-1 |
| 22 | Chargers | 11-5 |
| 23 | Bills | 11-5 |
| 24 | Rams | 11-5 |
| 25 | Eagles | 11-5 |
| 26 | Texans | 11-5 |
| 27 | 49ers | 12-5 |
| 28 | Browns (via Jaguars) | 12-4 |
| 29 | Bears | 11-4 |
| 30 | Patriots | 13-3 |
| 31 | Broncos | 13-3 |
| 32 | Seahawks | 14-3 |
MORE: Who goes No. 1 in SN's latest mock draft?
Top 2026 NFL Draft prospects
Here's a look at the top 10 prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft, based on SN's Vinnie Iyer's rankings.
| Rank | Player | Position | College team |
| 1 | Rueben Bain Jr. | EDGE | Miami |
| 2 | Fernando Mendoza | QB | Indiana |
| 3 | Arvell Reese | LB | Ohio State |
| 4 | Dante Moore | QB | Oregon |
| 5 | David Bailey | EDGE | Texas Tech |
| 6 | Caleb Downs | S | Ohio State |
| 7 | Cashius Howell | EDGE | Texas A&M |
| 8 | Kenyon Sadiq | TE | Oregon |
| 9 | Carnell Tate | WR | Ohio State |
| 10 | Sonny Styles | LB | Ohio State |
Quarterbacks remain en vogue, with Indiana's Fernando Mendoza and Oregon's Dante Moore drawing rave reviews for their skill sets. They're not the only players tabbed for success at the big-league level, however.
There are a handful of defenders whose names have sparkled on scouting reports across the league, led by Miami EDGE Rueben Bain Jr., Texas Tech EDGE David Bailey and Ohio State stars Arvell Reese and Caleb Downs.
Further down the board, there are a few skill players garnering interest. Carnell Tate is making waves despite struggling with injuries in his junior year, while Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and Arizona State's Jordyn Tyson have been tipped for brilliance at the big-league level. Suffice to say, there should be plenty of talent on display when Roger Goodell steps to the stage in Pittsburgh come April.