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NFL Teams Eye the Future: A Look at the 2026 Draft Picture
As the current NFL season progresses, some teams find themselves with little hope of playoff contention. While they continue to compete each week, their focus may also be shifting towards the future and the opportunities presented by the 2026 NFL Draft.
This analysis looks at teams with records at or below .500, examining their potential draft positions and needs for the upcoming year. Here’s a glimpse at how some teams are shaping up in terms of the draft:
16. Houston Texans (5-5): The Texans’ record mirrors the difficulty of their schedule. They face a tough challenge this week against the Buffalo Bills, especially with Davis Mills stepping in at quarterback.
15. Kansas City Chiefs (5-5): The Chiefs are fighting to stay competitive in their division. A loss against the Indianapolis Colts this week could drop them below .500, putting more pressure on the team.
14. Baltimore Ravens (5-5): The Ravens have been on a winning streak, improving their chances this season. Their upcoming game against the Jets could further solidify their standing and potentially remove them from this list.
13. Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1): Coming off a victory, the Cowboys face a significant test against the Philadelphia Eagles. This game will be crucial for their momentum and playoff aspirations.
12. Minnesota Vikings (4-6): After selecting J.J. McCarthy in the 2024 draft, the Vikings are still evaluating his potential as their franchise quarterback. The upcoming draft could offer additional options if needed.
11. Miami Dolphins (4-7): Despite recent wins, the Dolphins’ season has been largely disappointing. The team will need to assess its needs in the draft, and the future of head coach Mike McDaniel may also be a topic of discussion.
10. Arizona Cardinals (3-7): The Cardinals’ struggles this season have earned them a spot among the teams likely to have an early draft pick.
9. Cincinnati Bengals (3-7): The Bengals’ defense has been a significant weakness. If they secure a high draft pick, addressing this issue with top defensive talent will be a priority.
8. Los Angeles Rams (via Atlanta Falcons) (3-7): The Falcons’ struggles benefit the Rams, who possess their top draft pick. The Falcons continue to search for improvement.
7. Washington Commanders (3-8): After a promising season last year, the Commanders have faced setbacks due to injuries and performance issues, leading to a disappointing season.
6. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8): The Raiders are in dire need of improvement, particularly at the quarterback position. The draft could be an opportunity to find a long-term solution.
5. New York Jets (2-8): The Jets also face questions at quarterback. With defensive-minded Aaron Glenn as coach, the team may need to focus on finding a new leader for their offense.
4. New Orleans Saints (2-8): Even with coaching changes, the Saints have struggled. A high draft pick could help them address multiple needs across the team.
3. Cleveland Browns (2-8): The Browns find themselves once again among the teams with a high potential draft pick, highlighting their ongoing challenges.
2. New York Giants (2-9): The Giants have significant needs, and the upcoming draft is an opportunity for the new coach to bring in a player who can become a cornerstone of the franchise.
1. Tennessee Titans (1-9): The Titans are positioned to have the first pick in the draft for the second consecutive year. They could use this valuable asset to acquire multiple picks and players to rebuild their team.
The NFL season is far from over, and team standings can change quickly. However, for some teams, the focus is already beginning to shift towards the future and the potential of the 2026 NFL Draft.
