NFL Salary Cap 2026 Per Team

 Frank Coye & Staff @draftinsiders.com

The NFL salary cap 2026 has been raised once again with the league projecting a range of over 301 – 305 million. The league informed clubs this week it is projecting a salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million for the upcoming 2026 season, reports at NFL Network.

This increase would represent a boost of more than $20 million from the 2025 mark of $279.2 million and reach nearly $100 million in additional space since the $208.2 million cap set for the 2022 season.

The projection follows the same pattern exhibited in recent increases. The cap jumped by $23.8 million from 2024 to 2025, creating excesses of space that exceeded $70 million for some teams. It increased some teams even more and the eventual 2025 AFC champion New England Patriots who were very active in the free agent market.

Over recent history, the salary cap continues to produce greater cap limits in future years. The projected number for 2026 more than doubles annual salary caps from mid 2015 seasons. It has been instrumental in the incredible growth and prosperity for the league. The TV market also reflects the amazing annual growth of the NFL industry.

March 3
Prior to 4:00 p.m. ET, deadline for clubs to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 9-11
During the period beginning at 12:00 noon ET, on March 9 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. ET, on March 11, clubs are permitted to contact, and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become unrestricted free agents upon the expiration of their 2025 player contracts at 4:00 p.m. ET, on

March 11
During the two-day negotiation period prior to the start of the 2026 League Year, each club may conduct one video or phone call for no longer than one hour with no more than five (5) prospective unrestricted free agents. The player’s agent must be a participant of the call.
No prospective unrestricted free agent is permitted to execute a contract with a new club until 4:00 p.m. ET, on March 11.

March 11
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Salary Cap 2026 Per Team – Feb, 3, 2026

Per Overthecap.com

Effective Cap Space: the cap space a team will have after signing at least 51 players and its projected rookie class to its roster.

Base Salary Cap: $303,500,000
Team              Cap Space   /  Effective Cap Space  /  Active Cap  /  Spending Dead Money

Titans              $104,769,062      $93,334,968         $220,791,308          $535,658
Raiders           $91,522,807         $76,991,010          $189,413,472           $34,812,266
Chargers         $88,677,941         $84,372,966         $217,963,367           $478,177
Jets                   $83,569,717        $67,685,209         $167,097,645           $75,621,438
Commanders  $76,041,469       $69,297,314          $255,706,956          $248,312
Seahawks         $73,284,461      $63,013,830         $243,166,022           $483,723
Bengals            $54,504,672      $47,378,106          $253,492,416           $4,748,222
Rams                $48,214,355      $40,769,897          $266,058,212           700,524
Steelers            $44,943,582     $39,307,535          $267,058,786           $7,934,338
49ers                $42,950,176      $38,552,959         $269,621,623            $21,863,741
Patriots            $42,735,263     $37,744,226          $290,735,831            $20,790,382
Cardinals         $42,187,426     $30,663,033         $274,012,155             $3,934,104
Colts                 $35,598,489     $33,584,759         $268,433,497           $2,093,644
Broncos           $28,885,734     $24,848,957         $276,377,391             $1,218,922
Falcons            $27,999,824     $25,290,856         $277,218,339            $2,235,354
Buccaneers      $23,828,710     $18,268,258        $293,252,073            $255,591
Ravens             $21,943,387      $13,270,416        $279,654,158             $12,262,715
Eagles              $20,557,388      $15,463,440       $250,816,635            $44,804,213
Panthers          $14,437,004      $9,552,110          $290,819,573            $9,341,094
Giants              $6,947,721         ($3,151,579)        $296,689,591           $216,804
Texans            ($1,403,295)      ($7,242,447)       $292,766,079           $20,922,780
Packers           ($1,436,657)      ($3,227,425)       $297,096,029           $17,165,048
Bears               ($5,300,354)     ($9,492,768)      $316,976,069            $542,993
Saints             ($6,037,060)     ($13,638,724)     $261,530,600            $65,798,682
Bills                ($7,449,001)      ($11,553,061)      $310,227,823            $432,166
Lions             ($8,531,146)      ($13,241,217)      $327,944,798              $4,358,290
Browns         ($10,286,279)     ($22,559,737)     $307,855,677            $31,763,848
Jaguars        ($11,433,472)     ($13,918,041)      $279,610,798             $43,863,713
Dolphins       ($16,223,613)    ($23,556,987)     $291,541,923             $35,500,637
Cowboys       ($28,936,140)   ($36,441,364)     $333,419,250             $24,344,177
Vikings         ($40,156,353)    ($45,185,362)     $351,724,552              $5,608,074
Chiefs           ($54,530,166)    ($61,925,065)     $358,196,941              $215,641

Senior Bowl 2026 – Defensive Battle Decides Outcome

Frank Coyle & Staff @ draftinsiders.com

The Senior Bowl 2026 was a defensive battle with the American Team defeating the National Team, 17-9 on Saturday at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.

The defense shined on both teams with three takeaways at the 77th annual all-star contest instrumental in the outcome. The game featured 130+ top prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft, though many opt outs which effected the continuity of especially the offensive play.

QB Garrett Nussmeier of LSU earned game MVP honors, leading touchdown drives on the American team’s first two possessions while connecting on 5 of 8 passes for 57 yards. He had a rushing TD and a two-point-conversion throw to Notre Dame WR Malachi Fields. Nussmeier was limited by a few key drops by Stanford’s Sam Roush and Wyoming’s John Michael Gyllenborg for first downs. He did answer many questions related to his current health with good movement in the pocket, accuracy throwing and sound decision making.

We will have an extensive review of the Senior Bowl & East-West weeks in our February Newsletter.  Free for Full subscribers.
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The running back group shined with several backs performing well. Indiana’s Kaelon Black had an impressive showing with a game-high 45 yards on eight carries. He delivered a few hard runs between the tackles and caught two passes for nine yards.

Oklahoma’s Jaydn Ott performed well in a critical opportunity after little playing time in 2025 for the Sooners last season. He ran for 42 yards and a TD on eight carries. He played fast in practices showing quickness to the hole plus the power to break tackles. Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. also stood out, running for 26 yards on five carries plus 1 reception.

The offensive lines also had a few standouts, including Arizona State OT Max Iheanachor, Georgia Tech OG Keylan Rutledge and Florida C Jake Slaughter. All improved his status significantly.

Defensive edge Nadame Tucker had a strong performance with 5 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFL and 1 FF. He raised his stock vs top competition and is a player to watch during the workout phase of the evaluation. LB Bryice Boettcher was outstanding combining keen instincts, strong tackling and excellent range. He totaled 10 tackles displaying the ability to fill the hole and the range to make stops outside the hashes.

NFL Salary Cap Increases Over 300M

Staff @ draftinsiders.com

The NFL salary cap 2026 has been raised once again with the league projecting a range of over 301 – 305 million.  The league informed clubs this week it is projecting a salary cap in the range of $301.2 million to $305.7 million for the upcoming 2026 season, reports at NFL Network.

This increase would represent a boost of more than $20 million from the 2025 mark of $279.2 million and reach nearly $100 million in additional space since the $208.2 million cap set for the 2022 season.

The projection follows the same pattern exhibited in recent increases. The cap jumped by $23.8 million from 2024 to 2025, creating excesses of space that exceeded $70 million for some teams. It increased some teams even more and the eventual 2025 AFC champion New England Patriots who were very active in the free agent market.

Over recent history, the salary cap continues to produce greater cap limits in future years. The projected number for 2026 more than doubles annual salary caps from mid 2015 seasons. It has been instrumental in the incredible growth and prosperity for the league. The TV market also reflects the amazing annual growth of the NFL industry.

Senior Bowl 2026 – Standouts over Practice Week

Frank Coyle & Staff @ draftinsiders.com

The week of practices at the Senior Bowl, was once again eye opening on several prospects. The one-on-one drills always reveal a player’s level of development and overall skill sets. We will have many insights of the Senior Bowl in our February Newsletter – out shortly.

Offensive Players

QB Taylen Green – Arkansas 6060 229
Long athletic passer improved significantly over the week. He has a strong arm and improved accuracy in key intermediate routes. His ability to scramble and make plays with his feet helped his cause.

QB Garrett Nussmeier – LSU 6010 202
Veteran was coming off an erratic final season due to injuries and inconsistent offensive supporting cast. He took command here and directed the offense well making crisp accurate throws. He is prepped for a strong game.

QB Diego Pavia – Vanderbilt 5097 198
Short savvy passer came to event like a business meeting. He can win with both his arm and feet and provides an attack a versatile weapon with unique skill set.

RB Kaelon Black – Indiana 5096 208
Compact tough runner is coming off a national title and hit the ground ready for the competition. He is an honest back who runs in a crouched style with the ability to make defenders miss or break tackles.

RB Seth McGowan – Kentucky 5115 215
Well rounded back displayed soft hands and the ability to move the pile. He may get a good portion of the running load on Saturday.

RB Jaydn Ott – Oklahoma 5107 202
Talented back has fallen through the cracks due to injuries and limited playing time. Compact frame with the burst to the hole to surprise along with sure hands as a receiver.

WR Malachi Fields – Notre Dame 6040 218
Imposing athlete stood out through the practices. Big body with agility, quickness and hands to impress scouts and rise up the charts.

WR Ted Hurst – Georgia State 6032 207
Long lean athlete stood out from practice day one with an acrobatic catch on a deep ball. Displays burst, long speed and leaping skills to develop into a legitimate deep threat.

WR Reggie Virgil – Texas Tech 6023 188
Athletic sure handed receiver is a rising prospect off a strong week in Mobile. Good route runner, sure hands and the quickness to get open and make plays.

TE John Michael Gyllenborg – Wyoming 6053 251
Long receiver displayed agility, sure hands and sound route running to be a weapon in a pro offense. Looks to be a big part in the passing game on Saturday.

TE Josh Cuevas – Alabama 6030 252
Versatile tough prospect filled a few roles effectively over the week. Reliable blocker and short zone receiver.

OT Max Iheanachor – Arizona State 6055 325
Huge athletic tackle is a rising prospect after very good week of practices while being tested by top edge rushers. Intriguing prospect with huge upside after further development.

OT Gennings Dunker – Iowa 6047 320
Rugged blocker comes from the Hawkeye program where technique is king. Uses his strong wide frame and hands well with the tenacity to finish and sustain.

OT Carver Willis – Washington 6045 305
Unheralded strong lineman lined up both inside and outside. He combines good functional strength with sound technique and is a prospect on the rise.

OT Trey Zuhn III – Texas A&M 6063 309
Big versatile lineman set up at a few positions. Used his length well with the ability to anchor and move along the line. Projects inside in the NFL.

IOL Jake Slaughter – Florida 6044 305
Savvy pivot man graded out well over the practices. High development of technique combined with good physical tools stood out over the matchups.

IOL Beau Stephens – Iowa 6050 310
Long versatile interior prospect with a high level of development to man all the interior positions. Sound technique with the physique ability to gain angles and finish.

Defensive Players

Edge T.J. Parker – Clemson 6035 263
Long quick edge rusher displayed an excellent burst off the edge with the hand use to keep blockers off his frame and the strength to separate and finish.

Edge Derrick Moore – Michigan 6034 254
Fast outside rusher was very impressive in one-on-one drills. Flashed a quick powerful surge to strike blockers and move them out of the way to complete the play.

DL Lee Hunter – Texas Tech 6034 320
Powerfully quick interior defender was a dominant force from the first practice. He combines a quick burst with top functional strength to wreck havoc on the interior.

DL Caleb Banks – Florida
Big athlete faced a critical week of practice after losing extensive time to injury. He responded with a strong performance in one-on-one drills to reestablish his status. NFL Combine could restore him to former status.

DL Rayshaun Benny – Michigan 6030 296
Quick interior lineman had an impressive week, winning several battles in the Pit vs top blockers. He helped vs cause and stood out vs top competition.

LB Jacob Rodriguez – Texas Tech 6011 233
Savvy veteran backer continued his outstanding final season with continuous big plays and overall production. His combination of instincts, smarts, athleticism projects him as an early NFL starter.

LB Kyle Louis – Pittsburgh 5116 224
Undersized explosive defender ran sideline to sideline making stops. He comes downhill and finishes consistently which drew the attention of many NFL scouts.

CB Chris Johnson – San Diego State 6002 190
Talented cover man excelled on a big stage. Combines fine triangle numbers with top technique and smarts for the position to rank with the top corners.

CB Thaddeus Dixon – North Carolina 6004 194
Long corner came up big in key spots on 7-on-7 drills in coverage and tackling. Player to watch in the game and NFL Combine which could elevate him from the 3^rd day.

CB Julian Neal – Arkansas 6014 202
Athlete with excellent length and ball skills continues to rise up the charts. Picks up the ball quickly with the body control and reach to break up passes. Player to watch.

S Bud Clark – TCU 6010 185
Tough defender with good coverage skills to breakup passes and finish with strong tackles. Helped his cause with an impressive week and performed well vs top competition.

S Michael Taaffe – Texas 5115 193
Savvy centerfielder has improved with each game over his career. He picks up schemes and routes quickly and has the range and quickness to react to the ball and make plays.

East-West Shrine Bowl -West Rallies for Win
Mark Gronowski Shines On All-Star Stage

Frisco, Texas — The West team rallied to beat the East for a 21-17 win in the 101st edition of the Shrine Bowl.  Iowa QB Mark Gronowski was named the game’s Offensive MVP after throwing for 86 yards and rushing for another 28. Wisconsin edge defender Mason Reiger who a strong performance with four tackles and three sacks which earned him Defensive MVP honors.

Gronowski is extremely interesting prospect who transferred to Iowa for his final season. At 6-2, 235, he has good athleticism and an ability to do damage as a scrambler. He has a strong arm and the ability to scramble and move the chains in key situations. He is a very good athlete and an intriguing prospect, who will be watched closely at the NFL Combine next month.

We will have an extensive review of the East-West week in our February Newsletter.  Free for Full subscribers.

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East-West Shrine Bowl Prospects

Frank Coyle/ Head scout & Staff

Here is a list of prospects to view tonight who have impressed through the practices. We have had a few scouts at the East-West week long event and will have reports in our February Newsletter – out early in the month.

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Offensive Players

QB Haynes King                     Georgia Tech  6021    209
QB Jalon Daniels                    Kansas            6000    219

RB CJ Donaldson                      Ohio State        6014     234
RB Chip Trayanum                 Toledo             5106    224
RB Demond Claiborne           Wake Forest   5092    187

WR Skyler Bell                        Connecticut     5112    187
WR Chase Roberts                BYU                6031    216
WR Eric Rivers                       Georgia Tech  5096    179
WR Dillon Bell                         Georgia           6001    212

TE Eli Raridon                         Notre Dame    6056    244
TE Seydou Traore                  Mississippi St 6034    233
TE Lake McRee                      USC                6035    251

OL Aamil Wagner                    Notre Dame    6051    302
OL Ar’maj Reed-Adams          Texas A&M      6054    317
OL Fa’alili Fa’amoe                 Wake Forest   6047    311
OL Josh Braun                        Kentucky         6057    333
OL Brian Parker                      Duke               6046    306
OL Jager Burton                     Kentucky         6037    311
OL Caden Barnett                   Wyoming         6037    316
 
Defensive Players

Edge Anthony Lucas              USC                6046    267
Edge Malachi Lawrence         UCF                6040    247
Edge Wesley Williams            Duke               6033    251
Edge Keyshawn James-Newby New Mexico 6017    240
Edge Bryan Thomas               South Carolina 6013   245

iDL Brandon Cleveland           North Carolina St 6025   322
iDL Landon Robinson             Navy               5112    291
iDL Dontay Corleone              Cincinnati        6005    –
iDL Darrell Jackson                Florida State   6051    328
iDL DeMonte Capehart           Clemson          6046    314

LB Eric Gentry                        USC                6063    221
LB Jaden Dugger                    Louisiana         6045    240
LB Lander Barton                   Utah                6037    233
LB Harold Perkins                  LSU                 6003    222
LB Taurean York                     Texas A&M      5104    232

CB Devonta Smith                  Notre Dame      5110  191
CB Marcus Allen                     North Carolina  6007  179
CB Devon Marshall                 North Carolina St 5103           197
CB Jarod Washington             South Carolina St 6000          186
CB Jadon Canady                  Oregon            5102    175
CB Tyreek Chappell                Texas A&M      5103    181
CB Avery Smith                      Toledo             5103    195

S Cole Wisniewski                  Texas Tech         6033    214
S Miles Scott                           Illinois                5113    208
S Kentrel Bullock                    South Alabama  5097 204
S Austin Brown                       Wisconsin         5115    205
S Jalen Huskey                      Maryland            6010    199

2026 Senior Bowl Week Opens

Mobile, Al
Frank Coyle / Head scout

Senior Bowl Schedule

Jan. 26- Jan. 31
Weigh-in – Monday Jan 26
Practices – Tuesday, Jan. 27-29

Mardi Gras Parade & Concert (Jan. 30)

Senior Bowl All-Star Game – Jan. 31 – Saturday

The 2026 Senior Bowl week opened with the official weigh-in of over  12- athletes. Full measurements will be revealed later this week. The game takes place on Saturday, January 31st. The game will kick off at 1:30 pm (CST) from Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. It will be broadcast live on NFL Network.

The Senior Bowl has been the premier All-Star game for several decades and is considered the unofficial “Start of the Draft”. Frank Coyle has been a scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl for over 20 years. He and his  staff have attended the Senior Bowl for over 30 years. We will have several scouts at this year’s week long event.

Below, we will list every player’s measurements slated to play in the 2026 Panini Senior Bowl.

Updated new players will be posted when measurements become available.

2026 Senior Bowl Official Measurements

Position/ Name /School/ Height /Weight / Hand Arm Wing

CB Julian Neal Arkansas 6014 202
CB Hezekiah Masses Cal 6005 180
CB Chandler Rivers Duke 5093 185
CB Daylen Everette Georgia 6007 193
CB TJ Hall Iowa 6004 188
CB Thaddeus Dixon North Carolina 6004 194
CB Fred Davis II Northwestern 6000 197
CB Davison Igbinosun Ohio State 6020 192
CB Chris Johnson San Diego State 6002 190
CB Jalon Kilgore South Carolina 6007 211
CB Collin Wright Stanford 6000 186
CB Charles Demmings Stephen F. Austin 6010 191
CB Colton Hood Tennessee 5116 188
CB Jalen McMurray Tennessee 5105 179
CB Malik Muhammad Texas 5117 183
CB Ephesians Prysock Washington 6027 194

DL Tim Keenan III Alabama 6011 332
DL Cameron Ball Arkansas 6035 313
DL Caleb Banks Florida
DL Rayshaun Benny Michigan 6030 296
DL Deven Eastern Minnesota 6054 301
DL Chris McClellan Missouri 6033 315
DL Gracen Halton Oklahoma 6024 293
DL Zane Durant Penn State 6007 290
DL Jeffrey M’Ba SMU 6054 316
DL Nick Barrett South Carolina 6030 315
DL Bryson Eason Tennessee 6023 316
DL Lee Hunter Texas Tech 6034 320

EDGE LT Overton Alabama 6026 278
EDGE Keyron Crawford Auburn 6037 251
EDGE Quintayvious Hutchins Boston College 6024 229
EDGE T.J. Parker Clemson 6035 263
EDGE Vincent Anthony Jr. Duke 6053 246
EDGE Tyreak Sapp Florida
EDGE Gabe Jacas Illinois 6031 260
EDGE Max Llewellyn Iowa 6052 255
EDGE Derrick Moore Michigan 6034 254
EDGE Zion Young Missouri 6052 262
EDGE Cian Slone NC State 6031 239
EDGE Dani Dennis-Sutton Penn State 6053 268
EDGE Romello Height Texas Tech 6023 234
EDGE Logan Fano Utah 6043 258
EDGE Nadame Tucker Western Michigan
EDGE Nyjalik Kelly UCF

IOL Jake Slaughter Florida 6044 305
IOL Keylan Rutledge Georgia Tech 6033 316
IOL Beau Stephens Iowa 6050 310
IOL Sam Hecht Kansas State 6042 297
IOL Jalen Farmer Kentucky 6046 322
IOL James Brockermeyer Miami (FL) 6031 297

K Will Ferrin BYU 6023 179
K Drew Stephens Iowa 6011 211

LB Keyshaun Elliott Arizona State 6015 233
LB Xavian Sorey Jr. Arkansas 6017 220
LB Jack Kelly BYU 6011 246
LB Owen Heinecke Oklahoma 6011 224
LB Bryce Boettcher Oregon 6007 227
LB Kyle Louis Pittsburgh 5116 224
LB Namdi Obiazor TCU 6023 224
LB Kaleb Elarms-Orr TCU 6015 233
LB Scooby Williams Texas A&M 6021 217
LB Jacob Rodriguez Texas Tech 6011 233

LS Beau Gardner Georgia 6046 251
LS Luke Basso Oregon 6031 236

OT Max Iheanachor Arizona State 6055 325
OT Fernando Carmona Arkansas 6044 318
OT Jeremiah Wright Auburn 6050 340
OT Kage Casey Boise State 6052 309
OT Jude Bowry Boston College 6047 314
OT Logan Taylor Boston College 6063 305
OT Delby Lemieux Dartmouth 6050 305
OT Austin Barber Florida 6065 318
OT JC Davis Illinois 6042 335
OT Gennings Dunker Iowa 6047 320
OT Alan Herron Maryland 6046 321
OT Markel Bell Miami (FL)
OT Ethan Onianwa Ohio State 6062 332
OT Dametrious Crownover Texas A&M 6067 331
OT Trey Zuhn III Texas A&M 6063 309
OT Carver Willis Washington 6045 305

P Brett Thorson Georgia 6012 240
P Ryan Eckley Michigan State 6005 199

QB Taylen Green Arkansas 6060 229
QB Sawyer Robertson Baylor 6035 221
QB Luke Altmyer Illinois 6012 210
QB Garrett Nussmeier LSU 6010 202
QB Cole Payton North Dakota State 6023 229
QB Diego Pavia Vanderbilt 5097 198

RB Mike Washington Arkansas 6004 228
RB Adam Randall Clemson 6025 233
RB Kejon Owens FIU
RB Kaelon Black Indiana 5096 208
RB Seth McGowan Kentucky 5115 215
RB Jaydn Ott Oklahoma 5107 202
RB Kaytron Allen Penn State 5111 220
RB Nick Singleton Penn State 6000 221
RB Rahsul Faison South Carolina
RB Le’Veon Moss Texas A&M
RB J’Mari Taylor Virginia 5091 205

S VJ Payne Kansas State 6031 210
S Wydett Williams Mississippi
S DeShon Singleton Nebraska 6024 212
S Jalen Stroman Notre Dame 6003 198
S Zakee Wheatley Penn State 6026 201
S Kamari Ramsey Southern Cal 5117 199
S Bud Clark TCU 6010 185
S Michael Taaffe Texas 5115 193
S Skyler Thomas Oregon State

TE Josh Cuevas Alabama 6030 252
TE Tanner Koziol Houston 6064 245
TE Justin Joly NC State 6030 251
TE Will Kacmarek Ohio State 6050 262
TE Matthew Hibner SMU
TE Sam Roush Stanford 6055 259
TE Dan Villari Syracuse 6040 243
TE DJ Rogers TCU 6030 242
TE Nate Boerkircher Texas A&M
TE John Michael Gyllenborg Wyoming 6053 251

WR Josh Cameron Baylor 6012 223
WR Lewis Bond Boston College 5110 197
WR Cyrus Allen Cincinnati 5111 180
WR Ted Hurst Georgia State 6032 207
WR Ty Montgomery John Carroll 5113 190
WR Caulin Lacy Louisville 5083 189
WR Aaron Anderson LSU 5075 177
WR Barion Brown LSU 5107 176
WR Harrison Wallace III Mississippi 5115 194
WR Kevin Coleman Missouri 5110 174
WR Malachi Fields Notre Dame 6040 218
WR Jordan Hudson SMU 6007 198
WR Romello Brinson SMU
WR Devin Voison South Alabama 5097 182
WR Ja’Kobi Lane Southern Cal 6041 196
WR Caleb Douglas Texas Tech 6032 198
WR Reggie Virgil Texas Tech 6023 188
WR Vinnie Anthony II Wisconsin 5116 185

Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX Hold Final Selections

NFL Draft 2026 – ‘The Raiders are ‘On the Clock’!
 Jets, Cardinals, Titans & Giants, Hold Top 5 Selections

 2026 NFL Draft Selection Order

The NFL Conference championship games have finalized the top 30 selections in the frist round of the NFL Draft 2026. It will be Seattle vs New England in Super Bowl LX after winning confereence titles.  Neither team even made the playoffs after the 2024 season.

With the closure of the regular season schedule and the early playoff games, the NFL Draft order has been established for the top 30 non-playoff teams. Four teams hold a 3-14 record with the Raiders landing the 1st overall selection on the weaker strength of schedule.  The Jets, Cardinals and Titans hold the next three selections with each club at 3-14. These clubs started multiple QBs in 2025 after several injuries and poor performances forced weekly changes at the position. Of the top five teams, only the Giants with rookie Jaxson Dart and Titans with rookie QB Cam Ward have bona fide starters set for the coming years.

The Giants are next at the 5th pick at 4-13 and within reach of trading up for an earlier selection. It is the usual suspects in the top ten with several pretenders like the Chiefs and Bengals both falling below the .500 mark with weak 2025 performances.

The bottom 12 playoff positions will be decided by playoffs results. The Super Bowl teams will hold the 31st and 32nd positions.  The strength of schedule % will determine the final positions of all tied teams. The SOS is based on all of each team’s opponents record. Each succeeding round, the tied teams will rotate up within their tied bracket.

First Round Draft Order

#           Team                                     W-L record          

1           Las Vegas                             3-14

2           NY Jets                                  3-14

3           Arizona                                  3-14

4           Tennessee                            3-14

5           NY Giants                              4-13

6           Cleveland                             5-12

7           Washington                          5-12

8           New Orleans                         6-11

9           Kansas City                           6-11

10           Cincinnati                              6-11

11           Miami                                     7-10

12           Dallas                                    7-9-1

13           LA Rams (Atlanta)               8-9

14           Baltimore                              8-9

15           Tampa Bay                           8-9

16           NY Jets (Indianapolis)        8-9

17           Detroit                                    9-8

18           Minnesota                             9-8

19           Carolina                                8-10

20           Dallas (Green Bay)              9-8-1

          Playoff Teams

21           Pittsburgh                              10-7

22           LA Chargers                         11-6

23           Philadelphia                         11-6

24           San Francisco                      12-5

25           Chicago                                 12-6

26           Houston                                 12-5

27           Cleveland (Jacksonville)    13-5

28           Buffalo                                   13-5

29           LA Rams                               13-5

30           Denver                                   14-3

  Super Bowl Opponents

31           New England                        14-3

32           Seattle                                   14-3

All ties in record are broken by current strength of schedule.  Then head to head determines order.
Atlanta, Green Bay, Jacksonville and Indianapolis all currently do not have 1st-round selections from prior deals.

March 11, 2026
The 2026 League Year and Free agency signing period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Trading period for 2026 begins at 4:00 p.m. ET, after expiration of all 2025 contracts

Playoffs – Divisional, Conference & Super Bowl games determine final 8 positions

A teams’ opponent’s W-L record will determine all tie situations. Teams that are still tied will flip though none necessary this year. Playoff teams will shuffle according to their postseason results to determine the final top 32 selections. Super Bowl game will determine final two positions.

 Team tie-breaking procedure for the NFL Draft
If two or more clubs are tied in the selection order, the strength-of-schedule tie breaker is applied, subject to the following exceptions for playoff clubs: The Super Bowl winner is last and the Super Bowl loser next-to-last. Any non-Super Bowl playoff club involved in a tie shall be assigned priority within its segment below that of non-playoff clubs and in the order that the playoff clubs exited from the playoffs. Within a tied segment a playoff club that loses in the Wild-Card game will have priority over a playoff club that loses in the Divisional playoff game that in turn will have priority over a club that loses in the Conference Championship game. If two tied clubs exited the playoffs in the same round, the tie is broken by strength of schedule. If any ties cannot be broken by strength of schedule, the divisional or conference tie breakers, when applicable, are applied. Any ties that still exist are broken by a coin flip.

NFL Draft 2026 – First Round Mock Draft 2.0

      Frank Coyle / Head scout

     Team                  Rec           Player                       Pos        School 

First Round

1         Las Vegas        3-14      Fernando Mendoza        QB         Indiana

2         NY Jets            3-14      Arvell Reese                  LB          Ohio St

3         Arizona             3-14      Francis Mauigoa            OT        Miami (Fl)

4         Tennessee        3-14      Rueben Bain                  Edge      Miami (Fl)

5         NY Giants         4-13      Spencer Fano               OT         Utah

6         Cleveland          5-12      Caleb Downs                 S            Ohio St

7         Washington       5-12      Jordyn Tyson                 WR       Arizona St

8         New Orleans     6-11      Carnell Tate                  WR        Ohio State

9         Kansas City      6-11      Keldric Faulk                 Edge     Auburn

10         Cincinnati          6-11      Caleb Lomu                   OT         Utah

11         Miami               7-10      Mansoor Delane            CB         LSU

12         Dallas               7-9-1     David Bailey                  Edge    Texas Tech

13         LA Rams (Atl)   8-9        Kadyn Proctor                OT        Alabama

14         Baltimore          8-9        T.J. Parker                    Edge      Clemson

15         Tampa Bay       8-9        Peter Woods                 DL         Clemson

16         NY Jets (Indy)   8-9        Ty Simpson                   QB        Alabama

Draft Insiders’ Pro Prospect Positional Rankings – Top 300 Players for the NFL Draft 2026 – available now
Special Deluxe Package available – January Newsletter – Underclassmen, Three Round MD – Top 150 Player Rankings

17         Detroit              9-8        Avieon Terrell                CB         Clemson

18         Minnesota         9-8        Sonny Styles                  LB         Ohio State

19         Carolina            8-9        Kenyon Sadiq                TE         Oregon

20         Dallas (GB)       9-7-1     Jermod McCoy              CB         Tennessee

21         Pittsburgh         10-7      Jeremiyah Love             RB         Notre Dame

22         Chicago            11-6      Makai Lemon                 WR        USC

23         LA Chargers      11-6      Olaivavega Ioane          G           Penn St

24         Philadelphia      11-6      Chris Brazzell                WR        Tennessee

25         Buffalo             12-5      Kayden McDonald         DL         Ohio State

26         San Francisco   12-5      Colton Hood                   CB         Tennessee

27         Houston            12-5      C.J. Allen                       LB         Georgia

28         Cleveland (Jax) 13-4      Caleb Banks                  DL         Florida

Remaining Playoff Teams – changes with Conference Championship and Super Bowl games

29         LA Rams           12-5      Garrett Nussmeier         QB         LSU

30         New England    14-3      Denzel Boston               WR        Washington

31         Denver              14-3      Zachariah Branch          WR       Georgia

32         Seattle              14-3      Akheem Mesidor           Edge      Miami (Fl)