Picture this: The New York Jets are poised to claim the coveted No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, a spot that could redefine their roster for years to come. But with the season still in its infancy, is this early lead a sign of strategic brilliance or just the chaos of unpredictability? Let's dive into the latest standings and see what the future holds for these teams—and why it might spark some heated debates among fans.
Even though we're only five weeks into the NFL season, one squad has already pulled ahead in the race for that top selection. On Sunday, both the New Orleans Saints and Tennessee Titans notched their inaugural victories of the regular season, leaving the Jets as the league's sole undefeated team—wait, no, actually, they're the only one still without a win. That's right, the Jets are sitting at 0-5, which puts them in prime position for a high draft pick, assuming they don't turn things around soon.
And this is the part most people miss: There's an intriguing twist in the draft landscape compared to last year. Already, three franchises have secured an extra first-round pick through trades made during this year's draft process, a move that happened much earlier than in 2025, where the first such deal didn't occur until late in the draft itself. This early maneuvering could shake up the entire event, giving some teams more firepower to build their squads. But here's where it gets controversial: Is trading away future picks a smart long-term strategy, or does it risk leaving teams vulnerable if they suddenly start winning? For beginners, think of it like investing—sometimes you cash out early for quick gains, but you might miss out on bigger rewards later.
Assuming Monday night's games don't shake things up, here's the projected order for the 2026 NFL Draft, based on the latest from Tankathon. I've included each team's current record, their anticipated needs (positions where they might look to add talent), and key free agents who could be departing. Remember, these projections are fluid, like the game itself, and can change with every snap.
New York Jets (0-5) – With no wins yet, they're eyeing upgrades across the board. Projected needs include quarterback, wide receiver, defensive lineman, cornerback, and tight end. Keep an eye on free agents like linebacker Quincy Williams, offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, running back Breece Hall, tight end Jeremy Ruckert, and edge rusher Micheal Clemons.
Cleveland Browns (1-4) – They're struggling but have specific holes to fill. Look for them to target offensive tackle, wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback, and interior offensive line. Free agents to watch: Offensive guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, tight end David Njoku, and cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson.
Baltimore Ravens (1-4) – Defense might be their focus here. Projected needs: Edge rusher, defensive lineman, interior offensive line, tight end, and cornerback. Notable free agents include tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, edge rusher Kyle Van Noy, center Tyler Linderbaum, and edge rusher Odafe Oweh.
Miami Dolphins (1-4) – Speed and coverage could be key. Needs: Cornerback, wide receiver, tight end, interior offensive line, and safety. Free agents: Edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Matt Judon, cornerbacks Kader Kohou and Rasul Douglas, and tight end Darren Waller.
New Orleans Saints (1-4) – Fresh off their first win, they're rebuilding. Projected needs: Cornerback, safety, defensive lineman, running back, and wide receiver. Watch for free agents like edge rusher Cameron Jordan, offensive guard Trevor Penning, wide receiver Rashid Shaheed, linebacker Demario Davis, and cornerback Alontae Taylor.
Las Vegas Raiders (1-4) – Secondary and front seven upgrades loom. Needs: Cornerback, linebacker, safety, defensive lineman, and offensive tackle. Free agents include edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, kicker Daniel Carlson, linebacker Germaine Pratt, and offensive guard Dylan Parham.
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New York Giants (1-4) – Line play is crucial. Needs: Interior offensive line, offensive tackle, defensive lineman, cornerback, and linebacker. Free agents: Quarterback Russell Wilson, offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, offensive guard Evan Neal, wide receiver Wandale Robinson, and offensive guard Greg Van Roten.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) – A bit better record, but still needs work. Projected needs: Interior offensive line, cornerback, safety, tight end, and edge rusher. Watch free agents like edge rusher Trey Hendrickson, safety Geno Stone, edge rusher Joseph Ossai, center Ted Karras, and cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt.
Carolina Panthers (2-3) – Defense and depth are priorities. Needs: Cornerback, safety, interior offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive lineman. Free agents include center Austin Corbett, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow, safety Nick Scott, running back Rico Dowdle, and edge rusher D.J. Wonnum.
Shifting gears to a mock draft perspective, former first-round pick Blake Brockermeyer predicts a whirlwind at the top, with quarterbacks dominating the first 10 selections and a heavy emphasis on defensive talent throughout. This could mean elite signal-callers like potential stars from college programs reshaping offenses, while teams load up on pass rushers and secondary help to counter modern spread attacks. For those new to drafts, it's like a talent auction where positions in high demand can drive up 'value'—but is prioritizing QBs over, say, rebuilding a weak defense the right call? Some argue it leads to instant impact, while others say it ignores long-term balance.
Arizona Cardinals (2-3) – Offensive line and defense. Needs: Offensive tackle, interior offensive line, linebacker, defensive lineman, and running back. Free agents: Offensive tackles Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum, offensive guard Will Hernandez, wide receiver Zay Jones, and defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Houston Texans (2-3) – Versatility in the trenches. Projected needs: Interior offensive line, offensive tackle, tight end, defensive lineman, and safety. Free agents: Wide receiver Christian Kirk, defensive linemen Denico Autry and Sheldon Rankins, and edge rushers Darrell Taylor and Derek Barnett.
New England Patriots (2-2) – Balanced upgrades. Needs: Offensive tackle, tight end, wide receiver, linebacker, and edge rusher. Free agents: Tight end Austin Hooper, edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga, cornerback Marcus Jones, and linebacker Jack Gibbens.
Dallas Cowboys (2-2-1) – Secondary and speed. Projected needs: Safety, linebacker, edge rusher, running back, and cornerback. Free agents: Wide receiver George Pickens, edge rusher Samuel Williams, linebacker Kenneth Murray, center Brock Hoffman, and running back Miles Sanders.
Los Angeles Rams via Atlanta Falcons (2-2) – Acquired pick for flexibility. Needs: Cornerback, offensive tackle, linebacker, safety, and interior offensive line. Free agents: Offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, tight end Tyler Higbee, safeties Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake, wide receiver TuTu Atwell, and linebacker Nate Landman.
Chicago Bears (2-2) – Front seven focus. Needs: Defensive lineman, safety, interior offensive line, running back, and offensive tackle. Free agents: Safeties Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard, wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus, offensive tackle Braxton Jones, and edge rusher Dominique Robinson.
Washington Commanders (3-2) – Skill and defense. Projected needs: Edge rusher, linebacker, cornerback, tight end, and wide receiver. Free agents: Wide receiver Deebo Samuel, linebacker Bobby Wagner, tight end Zach Ertz, running back Austin Ekeler, and edge rusher Von Miller.
Los Angeles Rams (3-2) – Their own pick now. Needs: Cornerback, offensive tackle, linebacker, safety, and interior offensive line. Free agents: Same as above—offensive tackle Rob Havenstein, tight end Tyler Higbee, safeties Kamren Curl and Quentin Lake, wide receiver TuTu Atwell, and linebacker Nate Landman.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) – Super Bowl contenders eyeing depth. Needs: Defensive lineman, running back, cornerback, linebacker, and tight end. Free agents: Wide receiver Hollywood Brown, tight end Travis Kelce, defensive lineman Jerry Tillery, safety Bryan Cook, linebacker Leo Chenal, and cornerback Jaylen Watson.
Denver Broncos (3-2) – Linebacker and skill. Projected needs: Linebacker, tight end, safety, wide receiver, and offensive tackle. Free agents: Running back J.K. Dobbins, linebacker Alex Singleton, defensive lineman John Franklin-Myers, linebacker Justin Strnad, and interior offensive lineman Luke Wattenberg.
Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) – Interior and edges. Needs: Interior offensive line, edge rusher, cornerback, tight end, and defensive lineman. Free agents: Edge rusher Khalil Mack, running back Najee Harris, defensive lineman Teair Tart, offensive tackle Trey Pipkins, safety Alohi Gilman, and wide receiver Keenan Allen.
Minnesota Vikings (3-2) – Defense and depth. Projected needs: Linebacker, cornerback, safety, defensive lineman, and running back. Free agents: Quarterback Carson Wentz, wide receivers Jalen Nailor and Adam Thielen, safety Harrison Smith, and linebacker Eric Wilson.
Seattle Seahawks (3-2) – Secondary and front. Needs: Cornerback, defensive lineman, interior offensive line, safety, and wide receiver. Free agents: Edge rusher Boye Mafe, cornerbacks Tariq Woolen and Josh Jobe, defensive lineman Johnathan Hankins, and running back Kenneth Walker.
Dallas Cowboys via Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) – Traded pick for assets. Needs: Safety, linebacker, edge rusher, running back, and cornerback. Free agents: Same as the Cowboys' earlier list—wide receiver George Pickens, edge rusher Samuel Williams, linebacker Kenneth Murray, center Brock Hoffman, and running back Miles Sanders.
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) – Quarterback and defense. Projected needs: Quarterback, defensive lineman, wide receiver, cornerback, and interior offensive line. Free agents: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers, offensive guard Isaac Seumalo, cornerback Darius Slay, wide receiver Calvin Austin, and linebacker Cole Holcomb.
Cleveland Browns via Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) – Another traded pick. Needs: Offensive tackle, wide receiver, quarterback, cornerback, and interior offensive line. Free agents: Mirrors the Browns' earlier list, plus edge rusher Alex Wright—offensive guards Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio, tight end David Njoku, cornerbacks Greg Newsome II and Martin Emerson.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-1) – Strong record, but needs. Projected needs: Linebacker, defensive lineman, edge rusher, interior offensive line, and tight end. Free agents: Wide receiver Mike Evans, edge rusher Haason Reddick, linebacker Lavonte David, running back Rachaad White, and defensive lineman Logan Hall.
Detroit Lions (4-1) – Pass rush priority. Needs: Edge rusher, defensive lineman, linebacker, cornerback, and offensive tackle. Free agents: Edge rushers Al-Quadin Muhammad, Josh Paschal, and Marcus Davenport, and defensive linemen Levi Onwuzurike and D.J. Reader.
San Francisco 49ers (4-1) – Line and skill. Projected needs: Offensive tackle, interior offensive line, defensive lineman, wide receiver, and tight end. Free agents: Offensive lineman Spencer Burford, defensive lineman Jordan Elliott, wide receiver Jauan Jennings, edge rusher Yetur Gross-Matos, and cornerback Jason Pinnock.
Indianapolis Colts (4-1) – Defense and depth. Needs: Linebacker, cornerback, edge rusher, interior offensive line, and defensive lineman. Free agents: Offensive tackle Braden Smith, edge rushers Kwity Paye and Samson Ebukam, quarterback Daniel Jones, and wide receiver Alec Pierce.
Philadelphia Eagles (4-1) – Skill and secondary. Projected needs: Tight end, cornerback, edge rusher, safety, and interior offensive line. Free agents: Tight end Dallas Goedert, edge rusher Za'Darius Smith, linebacker Nakobe Dean, safety Reed Blankenship, and wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
Buffalo Bills (4-0) – Undefeated so far. Needs: Safety, linebacker, edge rusher, cornerback, and wide receiver. Free agents: Edge rushers Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa, linebacker Matt Milano, defensive lineman DaQuan Jones, and offensive guard Connor McGovern.
The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh, promising plenty of drama. For more insights, check out CBS Sports' weekly mock drafts and prospect rankings—they're a great way to stay ahead of the curve.
What do you think? Should teams like the Jets embrace their winless streak for a shot at a franchise quarterback, or is 'tanking' ruining the integrity of the game? Do you agree with the prediction of a QB frenzy, or would you rather see more focus on defensive linemen? Drop your opinions in the comments—let's debate!
