2026 NFL Draft order: Jets hold No. 1 pick entering Week 7; Ravens slide into top five

Strength of schedule: .586

Remaining SOS: .431 (29)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Panthers

Biggest needs: QB, IOL, WR, RB, S

Justin Fields is not looking like the Jets' answer at the quarterback position. But with the No. 1 selection currently in their possession, they could end up with their preferred pick of the 2026 passer prospects.

Strength of schedule: .514

Remaining SOS: .451 (26)

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Biggest needs: Edge, IOL, TE, DL, CB

Feel confident that few football minds, if any, predicted Baltimore would be holding a top-five overall pick -- let alone No. 2 -- entering Week 7. If the Ravens were to remain in this spot by season's end -- which seems unlikely assuming Lamar Jackson returns after the team's bye -- they'd be in position to make their highest selection ever in franchise history.

Strength of schedule: .529

Remaining SOS: .406 (30)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Dolphins

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, TE

I don't have quarterback as one of the team's top priorities right now only because I'd like to see how rookies Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders perform the rest of the way. Instead, I'm spotlighting the Browns' offensive line, which must be addressed next April. Seems like the entire unit -- including starters Jack Conklin, Joel Bitonio, Wyatt Teller and Ethan Pocic -- is due to hit free agency in March.

Strength of schedule: .543

Remaining SOS: .554 (7)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Patriots

Biggest needs: WR, Edge, CB, IOL, DL

The Titans fired head coach Brian Callahan on Monday, making their top offseason priority finding his replacement. Whoever takes the position will inherit a WR room that could use an upgrade. The franchise's investments in first-round WRs haven't quite panned out over the years (Kenny Britt, 2009; Kendall Wright, 2012; Corey Davis, 2017; Treylon Burks, 2022), but with one of the least effective passing attacks in the league, Tennessee may need to go to the well once more.

Strength of schedule: .556

Remaining SOS: .438 (28)

Week 7 opponent: at Browns

Biggest needs: CB, OL, WR, TE, S

Miami traded cornerback Jalen Ramsey in June and released 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith in September. Don't be surprised if they use multiple 2026 selections on rebuilding their DB group.

Strength of schedule: .556

Remaining SOS: .468 (22)

Week 7 opponent: at Bears

Biggest needs: IOL, QB, Edge, WR, CB

The Saints would surely love for either Spencer Rattler, or 2025 second-rounder Tyler Shough, to prove over the next few months to be the franchise's long-term answer at quarterback. If that happens, the team can focus on upgrading the interior O-line in April.

Strength of schedule: .486

Remaining SOS: .587 (3)

Week 7 opponent: at Broncos

Biggest needs: OT, IOL, WR, CB, DL

The G-Men appear to have hit at both QB and RB in the 2025 NFL Draft. If Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo and the rest of the Giants' offense is going to shine next season, the team must improve the right side of the O-line.

Strength of schedule: .500

Remaining SOS: .603 (2)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Packers

Biggest needs: OT, WR, DL, RB, IOL

Paris Johnson Jr. has the left tackle spot locked down for 2026, but the other bookend is in flux, with both Jonah Williams and Kelvin Beachum set to become free agents. Expect one of the top right tackles in the class to be on the Cardinals' radar in Round 1.

Strength of schedule: .571

Remaining SOS: .515 (16)

Week 7 opponent: at Chiefs

Biggest needs: QB, CB, Edge, WR, OT

The Raiders traded for Geno Smith this offseason with the hope the veteran would elevate the team's stagnant offense. Instead, the 35-year-old has been a turnover magnet, leading the league in interceptions through the first six weeks. With a team-friendly contract, his status beyond this season is anything but certain. If he's unable to right the Raiders' ship over the next few months (and potentially even if he does), I'd expect Las Vegas to select a QB early in the 2026 draft.

Strength of schedule: .574

Remaining SOS: .397 (31)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Steelers | TNF

Biggest needs: Edge, IOL, OT, CB, S

With four-time Pro Bowler Trey Hendrickson both a pending free agent and a potential trade candidate, Cincinnati will need to add another edge rusher to join 2025 first-rounder Shemar Stewart.

Strength of schedule: .500

Remaining SOS: .576 (4)

Week 7 opponent: at Seahawks | MNF

Biggest needs: IOL, LB, DL, OT, S

The Texans made remodeling the offensive line a big priority this past offseason, but they could have holes to fill up front once again with Ed Ingram among their impending free agents. Houston should be able to find a starting-caliber guard in the first three rounds of the draft.

Strength of schedule: .456

Remaining SOS: .523 (14)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Commanders

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, CB, OT, RB

If second-rounders Donovan Ezeiruaku (2025) and Marshawn Kneeland (2024) step up as the season goes on, the Cowboys may be able to bypass their pass-rushing needs to focus on finding another top-tier receiver. George Pickens has been incredibly productive for Dallas while Pro Bowler CeeDee Lamb (ankle) has been sidelined, but both Pickens and Jalen Tolbert are impending free agents.

Strength of schedule: .471

Remaining SOS: .539 (12)

Week 7 opponent: at Jets

Biggest needs: IOL, S, LB, OT, Edge

The Panthers seem to be headed in the right direction with Bryce Young, winning three of their last four games. With veterans Austin Corbett, Brady Christensen and Cade Mays due to reach free agency in 2026, Carolina should focus on adding a new center and/or guard via the draft to support Young's growth. 

Strength of schedule: .528

Remaining SOS: .515 (16)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Raiders

Biggest needs: TE, Edge, CB, RB, WR

Future Hall of Fame tight end Travis Kelce’s contract is due to expire after the season and we don’t know how much longer he’ll want to play. Noah Gray is a solid reserve, but not having a star at the position would be a big change for Patrick Mahomes and Co.

Strength of schedule: .530

Remaining SOS: .523 (14)

Week 7 opponent: at Cowboys

Biggest needs: Edge, WR, LB, IOL, TE

Washington has a veteran-laden group of edge rushers, but Jacob Martin, Von Miller, Preston Smith and Deatrich Wise are due to become free agents in 2026. The position should be an early priority for the Commanders in next year’s draft.

Strength of schedule: .481

Remaining SOS: .558 (6)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Eagles

Biggest needs: CB, S, LB, WR, DL

Minnesota should once again be looking for help in the secondary in 2026. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers is under contract through next season, but they could use young depth to develop at the position.

Strength of schedule: .500

Remaining SOS: .485 (18)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Saints

Biggest needs: S, RB, OT, Edge, DL

The team doesn't have any of its major contributors at safety under contract beyond this season. The Bears will be in the market for help at the position if they do not re-sign starters Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE ATLANTA FALCONS

Falcons' record: 3-2

Strength of schedule: .621

Remaining SOS: .472 (21)

Falcons' Week 7 opponent: at 49ers | SNF

Rams' biggest needs: QB, OT, CB, S, LB

With two first-round picks in the 2026 draft, the Rams will have a chance to draft Matthew Stafford’s heir apparent. The 37-year-old quarterback is signed through the end of next season.

See the bottom of this article for analysis of the Falcons' needs.

Strength of schedule: .286

Remaining SOS: .453 (25)

Week 7 opponent: Bye

Biggest needs: LB, Edge, CB, IOL, S

Strength of schedule: .397

Remaining SOS: .607 (1)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Buccaneers | MNF

Biggest needs: Edge, CB, DL, IOL, LB

Strength of schedule: .417

Remaining SOS: .548 (9)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Colts

Biggest needs: Edge, DL, CB, IOL, OT

Strength of schedule: .429

Remaining SOS: .308 (32)

Week 7 opponent: at Titans

Biggest needs: Edge, CB, OT, DL, S

Strength of schedule: .444

Remaining SOS: .484 (19)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Giants

Biggest needs: LB, TE, WR, DL, OT

Strength of schedule: .486

Remaining SOS: .554 (7)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Jaguars in London

See Pick No. 18 for analysis of the Rams' needs.

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Jaguars' record: 4-2

Strength of schedule: .514

Remaining SOS: .462 (23)

Jaguars' Week 7 opponent: vs. Rams in London

See Pick No. 3 for analysis of the Browns' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Jaguars' needs.

Strength of schedule: .556

Remaining SOS: .476 (20)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Falcons | SNF

Biggest needs: WR, IOL, CB, OT, TE

Strength of schedule: .569

Remaining SOS: .540 (10)

Week 7 opponent: at Vikings

Biggest needs: TE, Edge, CB, WR, IOL

Strength of schedule: .571

Remaining SOS: .540 (10)

Week 7 opponent: vs. Texans | MNF

Biggest needs: CB, RB, IOL, S, WR

PICK ACQUIRED FROM THE GREEN BAY PACKERS

Packers' record: 3-1-1

Strength of schedule: .417

Remaining SOS: .537 (13)

Packers' Week 7 opponent: at Cardinals

See Pick No. 12 for analysis of the Cowboys' needs and the bottom of this article for analysis of the Packers' needs.

Strength of schedule: .414

Remaining SOS: .450 (27)

Week 7 opponent: at Bengals | TNF

Biggest needs: QB, WR, CB, IOL, S

Strength of schedule: .389

Remaining SOS: .565 (5)

Week 7 opponent: at Chargers

Biggest needs: LB, CB, DL, Edge, QB

Strength of schedule: .500

Remaining SOS: .462 (23)

Week 7 opponent: at Lions | MNF

Biggest needs: LB, TE, Edge, DL, IOL

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE LOS ANGELES RAMS

Week 7 opponent: at 49ers | SNF

Biggest needs: WR, TE, DL, CB, LB

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE DALLAS COWBOYS

Week 7 opponent: at Cardinals

Biggest needs: DL, CB, OT, LB, IOL

TRADED FIRST-ROUND PICK TO THE CLEVELAND BROWNS

Week 7 opponent: vs. Rams in London

Biggest needs: WR, CB, DL, Edge, LB