Titans Maintain Lead in 2026 NFL Draft Race as Competition Heats Up

The race for the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is intensifying, with the Tennessee Titans currently in the lead. As of December 3, 2024, five teams are in contention: the Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, and New York Giants. Each team is grappling with a challenging season, but the Titans stand out as the frontrunner to secure the coveted first overall selection for the second consecutive year.

The Titans, holding a dismal record of 1-11, are the only team in the league with just one win. Their struggles have been compounded by the firing of head coach Brian Callahan in October. A recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars not only extended their losing streak to six games but also confirmed their inability to secure a home victory this season. Despite their struggles, Tennessee’s chances of claiming the top draft pick have risen to over 50 percent, much to the dismay of fans hoping for a turnaround.

Quarterback Cam Ward, drafted first overall in 2025, has not made the impact many hoped for, with a completion rate of 59.4 percent and a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 7:6. Looking ahead, the Titans’ remaining schedule includes matchups against the Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and a crucial game against the Saints in Week 17 that could significantly influence their draft standing.

Raiders and Saints Close Behind Titans

The Las Vegas Raiders are not far behind, holding a record of 2-10. Under first-year coach Pete Carroll, the Raiders have struggled offensively, ranking among the bottom three teams in the league for both total yards and points per game. Their recent loss to the Los Angeles Chargers has pushed their odds of obtaining the top pick to approximately 18 percent. With a challenging schedule ahead, including games against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, the Raiders’ position could improve if they continue to struggle.

The New Orleans Saints, also at 2-10, face a similar fate after failing to secure a win against the Miami Dolphins. The loss eliminated them from playoff contention but improved their odds for the top pick to 14 percent. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has been in the spotlight since taking over the starting role from Spencer Rattler, and his development will be key for the team moving forward. A pivotal matchup against the Titans in Week 17 looms large for the Saints, as a loss could drastically increase their chances of landing the first overall pick.

Giants and Jets in the Mix

The New York Giants are currently sitting at 2-10 as well, with a mere 4 percent chance of securing the top pick. Their upcoming game against the New England Patriots could either increase their odds with a loss or drastically decrease them with a win.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets, who have a record of 3-9, managed to secure a narrow victory over the Atlanta Falcons thanks to a last-minute field goal from Nick Folk. This win has kept them in the running for the top pick, although their early season struggles, including starting 0-7, have made their path more difficult. The Jets face a mix of opponents in the coming weeks, including the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills, which will be crucial in determining their draft position.

As the season progresses, the competition for the top pick remains fierce. The outcome of the remaining games for these teams will undoubtedly shape the future of their franchises and set the stage for a highly anticipated 2026 NFL Draft.