by The playoffs are approaching, but for half the league, the real season has just begun: Draft Season.
With Week 15 upon us, the draft order is taking shape, and one name looms larger than all others: Arch Manning. With several teams crashing out of contention and quarterback injuries piling up (sorry, Colts and Cardinals fans), the race to the bottom is heating up.
Here is our first look at how the Top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft could shake out based on current standings.
🏆 The Top 5: The Quarterback Desperation Index
1. New York Giants (3-10)
The Pick: QB Arch Manning (Texas)
It feels like destiny. The Daniel Jones era has ended in heartbreak and injury, and the Giants need a new face of the franchise. Manning brings the pedigree, the arm, and the star power that New York craves.
2. Carolina Panthers (3-10)
The Pick: EDGE James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee)
After investing in their QB last year, Carolina pivots to defense. Pearce Jr. is the undisputed premier pass rusher of this class—a “Generational Terror” off the edge who transforms their defense instantly.
3. Las Vegas Raiders (4-9)
The Pick: QB Nico Iamaleava (Tennessee)
The Raiders miss out on Manning but land the player with arguably the highest physical ceiling in the draft. Nico’s dual-threat ability gives Vegas the explosive playmaker they’ve lacked for years.
4. Tennessee Titans (4-9)
The Pick: WR Luther Burden III (Missouri)
The Titans need juice. Burden is a “Deebo Samuel-style” weapon who creates offense out of thin air. He is the safest offensive pick on the board.
5. New Orleans Saints (5-8)
The Pick: OT Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas)
The Saints decide to build the trenches. Banks is a plug-and-play left tackle for the next decade, ensuring whoever is under center actually has time to throw.
🚨 The “Dynasty” Pick
14. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
The Pick: WR Emeka Egbuka (Ohio State)
This is unfamiliar territory for Kansas City. Drafting in the teens allows them to grab a polished, elite route runner to save Patrick Mahomes. The offense has looked broken all year; this pick is the fix.
🏥 The Injury Pivots
- 21. Indianapolis Colts: After Daniel Jones’ torn Achilles, the Colts are in “No Man’s Land.” Do they reach for a QB like Dante Moore here, or trade up?
- 9. Arizona Cardinals: With Kyler Murray’s future uncertain due to injury, Arizona is the “Wild Card” of the draft. Watch for them to potentially trade into the Top 3 if they fall in love with a QB.
Note: Draft order is determined by projected win percentage as of Week 15.
