Most NFL teams still have a path to the playoffs this year. Some, though, may already be thinking about 2026.
The race for next year’s No. 1 pick is on, with several struggling teams in 2025 tracking toward a top-10 selection. With much of the second half of the season still to play, the top three teams in the hunt for the No. 1 pick are the Tennessee Titans (1-9), New York Giants (2-9), New Orleans Saints (2-9) and New York Jets (2-8).
While the Saints had a bye in Week 11, the Titans (vs. the Houston Texans), Giants (vs. the Green Bay Packers), and Jets (vs. the New England Patriots) lost tough matchups. The Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders are also firmly tracking for top-10 picks.
Several teams also owe their 2026 first-rounder to another franchise: The Los Angeles Rams own the Atlanta Falcons’ pick, the Browns own the Jacksonville Jaguars’ pick, the Packers will send their first-rounder to the Cowboys, and the Jets control the Indianapolis Colts’ selection.
How is the 2026 NFL Draft order shaping up? Here’s an updated look after Week 11.
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Here’s an idea of the top 10 prospects for the 2025 NFL Draft, based on both The Sporting News’ latest mock draft and NFL Mock Draft Database’s consensus big board:
Unsurprisingly, quarterbacks are expected to dominate the conversation at the top of the 2026 NFL Draft. A trio of Heisman Trophy contenders, Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza, Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson, are also projected to be among the top-five picks.
If a quarterback does not go No. 1, pass rusher Rueben Bain of Miami is emerging as another early favorite. Bain has shown versatility this season, recording three sacks, a forced fumble and an interception for the Hurricanes.
On the defensive line, Clemson’s Peter Woods, listed at 6-foot-3 and 315 pounds, is considered the top prospect. Utah offensive lineman Spencer Fano could also hear his name called early thanks to elite pass protection.
Elsewhere on defense, Ohio State duo safety Caleb Downs and linebacker Arvell Reese may be the top selections at their positions. Other players to watch include Auburn pass rusher Keldric Faulk, LSU cornerback Mansoor Delane and Tennessee cornerback Jermond McCoy.
On offense, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson is projected as the top offensive weapon available, totaling 628 yards and eight touchdowns through seven games. Ohio State receiver Carnell Tate and Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love are also among the top offensive prospects in mock draft projections.
Daniel Mader is a Content Producer for The Sporting News. He joined SN in 2024 as an editorial intern following graduation from Penn State University. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated, NBC Sports, the Centre Daily Times, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Daily Collegian and LancasterOnline. Daniel grew up in Lancaster, Penn., with a love for baseball that’ll never fade, but could also talk basketball or football for days.