2025 NFL Draft Order Update Following Week 17

A surprising result has once again influenced the 2025 NFL draft order, as the New York Giants' unexpected victory over the Indianapolis Colts has altered the landscape for the second consecutive week. The triumph not only propelled the Giants out of the projected top spot but also effectively eliminated the Colts from postseason contention. This outcome has now positioned the New England Patriots in the lead for the top pick in the draft, as the Giants, Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns all enter Week 18 with identical records of 3-13, maintaining their chances to secure the coveted No. 1 overall selection.

Following the latest developments, the draft order stands as follows: 1. New England (3-13), 2. Tennessee (3-13), 3. Cleveland (3-13), 4. New York Giants (3-13), and down through to 32. Kansas City (15-1). The Giants' unexpected victory against the Colts has shifted their status from first to fourth in the draft order. Previously holding the top position going into Week 17—thanks in part to the Las Vegas Raiders' win against the Jacksonville Jaguars—New York's victory complicates their pursuit of the premier draft pick. The implications of their win could be significant, as there remains no certainty that a franchise quarterback will be available by the time they select at No. 4, potentially pushing the team to consider options in the veteran quarterback market, which carries a different cost than selecting a talent from a top-five draft position.

On the other hand, the New England Patriots find themselves in a favorable position as they aim to secure the No. 1 overall pick. Having already identified their potential quarterback of the future in Drake Maye, the Patriots will likely look to utilize their top selection either to draft a premier player such as Travis Hunter or one of the elite offensive linemen available. Alternatively, New England could consider trading the top pick to acquire additional assets to bolster their roster surrounding Maye. With the draft class being notably thin for quarterback prospects, teams in need of a signal-caller may be inclined to pursue trades, adding further intrigue to the scenarios playing out. To ensure their hold on the top pick, the Patriots only need to secure a loss against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, though achieving this may prove complicated if the Bills opt to deploy their backup players, potentially allowing the Patriots to achieve an unlikely victory and further shake up the draft order.