How NFL Draft Order Is Determined: Tiebreakers Explained
NFL draft order isn’t random — it’s built from the previous season’s results, designed so that struggling teams pick first and the champion picks last. But once ties, playoff finishes, and trades enter the mix, the details get more involved. This guide walks through exactly how the order is set. For the bigger picture, start with how the NFL Draft works.
Non-playoff teams: reverse order of record
The 18 teams that miss the playoffs are slotted 1 through 18 in reverse order of their regular-season record. The team with the worst record picks first; the best non-playoff team picks 18th. This is the core principle behind the entire order — the worse a team’s season, the earlier it selects.
Playoff teams: slotted by how far they advanced
The 14 playoff teams fill picks 19 through 32, ordered by how deep they went and then by record. The four teams eliminated in the Wild Card round pick first among playoff teams, followed by the Divisional Round losers, then the two Conference Championship losers. The two Super Bowl participants pick last of all: the Super Bowl runner-up selects 31st, and the Super Bowl champion selects 32nd.
Breaking ties: strength of schedule first
When two or more teams finish with identical records, the primary tiebreaker is strength of schedule — the combined winning percentage of a team’s opponents. The team that played the easier schedule (a lower strength of schedule) is judged to have had the more “impressive” record and therefore picks later; the team with the tougher schedule picks earlier. If strength of schedule is also identical, the league applies its standard division and conference tiebreakers (head-to-head record, common games, and so on), and, as a last resort, a coin toss held at the NFL Scouting Combine. Teams that remain tied simply alternate their draft slots from one round to the next.
How trades change the order
The order above is the starting point, not the final board. Teams trade picks year-round, so by draft weekend many selections have changed hands. The slot’s position is fixed, but which team owns it may not be — a team picking “fourth” may have acquired that spot in a trade rather than earned it on the field.
Where compensatory picks fit
The 1–32 order applies to each round’s standard picks. Additional compensatory picks are inserted at the end of Rounds 3 through 7, slotted by a separate value formula, so those rounds contain more than 32 selections.
Want the Jets’ exact draft slot and picks? Our New York Jets Draft Central hub tracks where New York is picking and who they select. You may also like our guide on NFL injured reserve rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the NFL Draft order determined?
The NFL Draft order is determined primarily by each team’s regular-season record. Teams with the worst records receive the earliest picks, while playoff teams draft after non-playoff teams based on how far they advanced in the postseason.
Who gets the first pick in the NFL Draft?
The team with the league’s worst regular-season record is awarded the No. 1 overall pick, unless that selection has been traded to another team before the draft.
How are ties broken for NFL Draft order?
When two or more teams finish with the same record, the NFL uses strength of schedule as the primary tiebreaker. The team that played the easier schedule receives the earlier draft pick. Additional tiebreakers are used if teams remain tied.
How is the draft order determined for playoff teams?
Playoff teams always draft after non-playoff teams. Teams eliminated in the Wild Card Round pick before Divisional Round losers, who pick before Conference Championship losers. The Super Bowl runner-up receives the second-to-last pick, and the Super Bowl champion selects last in each round.
Can NFL teams trade their draft picks?
Yes. NFL teams can trade current and future draft picks before and during the draft. As a result, the team making a selection may not be the team originally assigned that pick.
What are compensatory draft picks?
Compensatory picks are extra selections awarded by the NFL to teams that lose more or higher-valued compensatory free agents than they sign during free agency. These picks are typically added at the end of Rounds 3 through 7.
Does every round use the same draft order?
Yes. The draft order generally remains the same in every round, although trades and compensatory selections can change the order of individual picks.
Why does draft position matter for the New York Jets?
Draft position affects which prospects are available when the Jets are on the clock. Earlier selections provide access to higher-rated talent and can also increase the value of the pick in potential trade scenarios.