NFL Draft- What franchises have the top picks?

However, for 18 franchises, the focus has already shifted away from the postseason and firmly towards rebuilding for next year.

For those teams, the NFL Draft represents a pivotal moment. Get it right, and you can change the trajectory of a franchise for years to come—making them much more favourable in the sports betting markets; get it wrong, and the consequences can linger long after April.

Taking place in Pittsburgh from 23–25 April, the early draft order is already set in stone. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the franchises holding the top three picks — and who they could target.

Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders endured another nightmare season under the bright lights of Sin City. Despite a morale-boosting win over fierce rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs, on the final day of the regular season, a 3–14 record leaves them with the coveted No.1 overall pick.

Quarterback remains the glaring issue. The Raiders have cycled through options in recent years, and their gamble on Geno Smith this season failed to pay off. With stability under centre a priority, all signs point towards a quarterback at the top of the board.

That could come in the form of Fernando Mendoza, the standout Indiana prospect who made history this year as the programme’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner.

New York Jets

The New York Jets finished level with the Raiders on 3–14, but tiebreakers see them slotted in at No.2. It was another campaign that promised much and delivered little for a franchise still searching for consistency.

Quarterback turmoil once again defined the season, with the Jets rotating through three starters, including Justin Fields and Tyrod Taylor. Both are expected to depart MetLife Stadium in the offseason, leaving the door wide open for a fresh start.

Oregon Ducks signal-caller Dante Moore could be the answer, having capped an impressive college campaign by being named MVP in Oregon’s Orange Bowl victory over Texas Tech.

Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals are the third team inside the top three after also finishing 3–14, rounding off a difficult season with a 37–20 defeat to the Los Angeles Rams in the final week.

This position in the draft is notable for Arizona. After trading down in 2023, they have not picked this high since selecting Larry Fitzgerald third overall in 2004 — a decision that delivered an 11-time Pro Bowler and franchise icon.

With Kyler Murray’s long-term future uncertain, the Cardinals may well consider a quarterback. However, with the Raiders and Jets likely to claim the top two prospects, Arizona could instead look to strengthen elsewhere and build around their existing core.

The rest of the top 10

Rounding out the rest of the top 10 are the Tennessee Titans (3–14), New York Giants (4–13), Cleveland Browns (5–12), Washington Commanders (5–12), New Orleans Saints (6–11), Cincinnati Bengals (6–11) and, somewhat surprisingly, the Kansas City Chiefs (6–11)—who we will sure will bounce back and be well supported on sports tips sites next season.

With multiple franchises in need of quarterbacks, offensive line help and defensive reinforcements, the opening night in Pittsburgh is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing NFL Drafts in recent memory.